Redwood City has accepted a donation of nine parcels of land totaling 1.88 acres adjacent to Garrett Park to be maintained as open space.
The parcels, located along the Canyon Lane dirt and gravel pathway west of Glenwood Avenue, had previously been slated for a 12-home development, but owners Mel and Marguerite Casey, trustees of the Casey Family Trust, “abandoned their development project for the purposes of open space,” according to the city.
“I have great hopes for what Garrett Park will become with this extra land,” Redwood City Councilmember Ian Bain said, adding he envisioned natural trails and places to hike and explore.
The land is valued at about $2.63 million. The city anticipates annual costs to maintain the park and to install pathway improvements. Fire mitigation is expected to cost the city about $8,000 to $10,000 annually, city staff said.
City Council formally approved the donation at its meeting Monday. Next steps include completing of escrow, title, certificate of acceptance, record grant deal and, if escrow closes, the property will be added to the inventory or city-owned parcels.
At Monday’s meeting, residents praised the donation but some disagreed with the city’s decision to forgo accepting the donation of a 10th parcel from the Casey family. The city chose not to accept the donation of that parcel as it “is not contiguous with the other nine parcels.”
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