Foreclosed Property Might Become Nature Preserve

The Board of Trustees is looking into purchasing 7.5 acres of land to the northeast of the intersection of Crane and Willis Roads. The land would be left relatively unchanged and used as a nature preserve and bird sanctuary.

“[Parks] are something that people really appreciate and love about York Township. That area (of the township) really doesn’t have a park or nature preserve,” said York Township Supervisor Joseph Zurawski.

The property, a landlocked parcel that has an easement for access, was foreclosed on for delinquent property taxes. By the General Property Tax Act, York Township was given second priority to purchase the land, behind the State of Michigan. The act states that the property would be purchased at the price set as the minimum bid should the property go to auction, but must be used for a governmental use for a public purpose exempt from taxation.

A nature preserve is a satisfactory use of the property according to Catherine McClary, a treasurer for Washtenaw County.

“We would be acquiring [the property] for $1,500. For all intents and purposes for that size of property, it’s free,” said Zurawski.

The board voted on July 12 to investigate if the property is suitable for the plans. If they proceed with the purchase, the board is considering creating a small parking lot to allow visitors a place to leave their vehicles while they explore the preserve. They would leave the property largely unaltered other than the parking lot. Zurawski said that he would hope that purchasing the preserve would run no more than $3,000 after inspections and other fees, although the lot itself would only cost $1,500.