PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE ACQUISITION OF A 2.70-ACRE PARCEL NORTH OF SW BLUE WATER WAY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
This is a request for the adoption of a Resolution approving and accepting the acquisition of vacant land located between the Okeechobee Waterway and the South Fork of the St. Lucie River, North of SW Blue Water Way, in unincorporated Martin County, totaling 2.70+/- acres (the Burstein Property), as previously recommended by the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) and approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).
body
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Name: Carla T. Segura, FRP
Title: Real Property Manager
REQUESTED BY: John Maehl, Environmental Resource Administrator
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
1. Agreement/Contract drafted by:
Martin County
2. Parties to the Agreement/Contract:
Seller/Grantor: Bruce David Burstein and Wendy L. Hixon (f/k/a Wendy Marie
Burstein)
Buyer/Grantee: Martin County
3. Purpose of the Agreement/Contract:
Purchase 2.70+/- acres of environmentally sensitive land
4. New/Renewal/Modification:
New
5. Duration:
Perpetual
6. Benefits to Martin County:
Addition of environmental lands for perpetual conservation purposes
7. Cost to Martin County:
$648,000.00, plus due diligence and closing costs
On September 5, 2025, the ELOC identified 16 properties for acquisition, including the Burstein Property, as part of the 2024 ten (10) year voter-approved tax referendum for environmentally sensitive lands. The Burstein Property was ranked #7 on ELOC’s list and consists of two non-contiguous parcels totaling 2.70 acres of pristine tidal swamp and upland maritime hammock ecosystems located on the south fork of the St. Lucie River. This property is important for the protection of species, including manatees, wading birds and small-tooth sawfish. Preservation of this property will help protect water quality. In addition, this property is adjacent to the Delaplane Preserve to the east and north, which protects an important corridor for migratory birds and other native wildlife. It could be added, in the future, to the County's Blueway Paddling Trail.
On October 21, 2025, the BOCC approved the use of sales tax funds for the acquisition of the Burstein Property.
Two appraisals of the property were obtained, and the average of both appraisals was $732,500. Staff worked with the property owners and entered into a conditional contract in the amount of $648,000.00, for the purchase of the property.
Real Property has reviewed title work, confirmed ownership of the parcels, and determined there are no known encumbrances. A boundary survey and updated legal description are being prepared and will be reviewed by the title underwriter and the County’s Survey Division. Upon review and approval of all required documents by the Legal Department, Real Property will proceed towards closing within 45 days.
Sections 139.31 and 139.32, General Ordinances, Martin County Code, require that any conveyance of an interest in land to Martin County for any public purpose shall be accepted and approved by Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Martin County.
ISSUES:
A supplemental memo will be submitted to the Board upon the agreement of the parties on an Addendum to Vacant Land Contract for the extension of closing date due to the pending boundary survey and updated legal description.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, and staff have identified and addressed legal risks and has developed strategies for legal defensibility, as applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board:
1) adopt a Resolution approving and accepting the purchase of vacant land totaling 2.70 acres from Bruce David Burstein and Wendy L. Hixon (f/k/a Wendy Marie Burstein); and
2) authorize the Chair to execute the Vacant Land Contract in the amount of $648,000.00; and
3) authorize the County Administrator or designee to execute all closing documents necessary to complete this transaction.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide staff with an alternative recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
|
Funding Source |
County Funds |
Non-County Funds |
|
ELOC - Tax Referendum funds (2180J) |
$648,000.00 |
|
|
Due Diligence - not to exceed |
$15,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
$663,000.00 |
|
|
Project Total |
$663,000.00 |
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☒Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: