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While the FWS is interested in acquiring the Rodney Kroegel parcel as well as the other identified parcels, Congress has not yet allocated funds to the FWS for the purchase. This matter is presented for the Board to consider working with TPL to purchase the subject property; using County funds. for historic resource protection and public use. ANALYSIS Local Funding In 1993, the core parcels of the Kroegel Homestead were nominated for acquisition under the County Environmental Lands Program. In 1994, however, the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (LAAC) voted not to include the project on its acquisition list, based on the project being primarily a historic/ cultural resource instead of an undeveloped natural area. It was determined at that time, and it is staff's position today, that the parcels do not qualify for acquisition using environmental land bond funds. In June 1994, the County applied for a $500,000 legislative grant through the State Division of Historic Resources for purchase of the Timinski parcels (the other core parcels). However, those funds were never spent and the application expired, in that the County and other agencies failed to come to terms with the Timinskis at that time. If the County is to consider purchasing the Rodney Kroegel parcel, a source other than environmental land bond funds will need to be used. Alternatives include County general funds; Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) funds, one -cent local option sales tax funds, or a "blend" of those alternatives. These funding sources, however, have been fully allocated under this fiscal year's budget. Cost -share Funding The Florida Communities Trust (FCT) is a possible cost -share partner for after -purchase reimbursement. Although the FCT's program is focused largely on public acquisition of natural areas, the program also applies to lands bought for parks and to lands with historic/cultural resources. If the County acquires the Rodney Kroegel parcel, the parcel could be used as a local match for the County to subsequently apply for an FCT grant for purchase of the overall Kroegel Homestead project. County purchase of the Rodney Kroegel parcel may also serve as a local match that will aid the FWS in its efforts to obtain funds from Congress for purchase of the other parcels in the project. "Stand -Alone" Purchase In contemplating buying the Rodney Kroegel parcel, the County must consider that purchase of other parcels in the Kroegel Homestead project may not be forthcoming, in that the County (or other agencies) may never come to terms with the sellers of the other parcels. As such, the Rodney Kroegel purchase must be looked at as a "stand-alone" purchase. Staff feels that the Rodney Kroegei parcel has potential public benefits justifying its purchase even as a "stand-alone" parcel. Beyond its historic/cultural significance, the parcel could serve the County as a park in an area that would benefit from conserved open space. Pedestrian/ bike path improvements are currently planned for Indian River Drive, and a park on the parcel would tie-in to that planned road improvement. Currently, the parcel is zoned for commercial development, and commercial will probably be the eventual land use if the parcel is not publicly acquired. The Kroegel Homestead is a local landmark as well as a site of national significance. In that respect, local contribution toward protection of the Homestead is appropriate, despite the lack of available federal funding at this time. The owners are willing to sell now, but the property may not be available in the future. Purchase of the Rodney Kroegel parcel will be an important first step toward successful protection of the overall Homestead, which will otherwise be lost to commercial development if not public acquired. OCTOBER 23,2001 P 9 -96-