A proposal to dispose “unused” property at Old Settler’s Park and a possible change in the lease terms for the county Poor Farm Barn were discussed this week by county commissioners.
Old Settlers Park, on the south end of Glen Lake was developed from a land used informally and as 1892, as a picnic ground. The first parcel consisting of five acres was purchased for $450, in 1912, from private parties. The deed of sale to the county notes that is was adjacent to a Methodist Church to the west, and that an “existing main traveled road or highway” crossed the southern end of the property. A second parcel was added was purchase in 1917. It consisted of one acres, and was conveyed to the county by the Methodist Church Association of Empire.
The third parcel was purchased but the county for $1 from private parties in 1927.
The county was approached by property owners who have easements on the triangular to access property on the east side of Dunns Farm Road in Empire Township. They have offered to pay the county $15,000 for the property which has is not used as part of the park.
“It has never been used as part of Old Settlers, and it is not currently designated as park land in the 2025 Parks and Recreation Plan,” county administrator Jim Dyer said. “The county has no use for this property.”
At least six property owners rely on easements across the property to access their homes.
But commissioners were wary at Tuesday’s executive committee meeting to allowing the purchase of the property.
“Once it’s sold, we’re not getting it back,” District 5 commissioner Alan Campbell said.
Board members also questioned the $15,000 offer.
“Heck, I’d offer $20,000 cash,” District 2 commission Will Bunek said.
District 4 commissioner Ty Wessell agreed.
“I don’t think we need to sell this property for $15,000,” he said.
No action was taken on the request. In related park business Tuesday, the board discussed a proposal from the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society for a modification in its lease for the Poor Barn.
In 2018, the count entered into a lease agreement with the nonprofit community educational organization, to use the former Leelanau County Poor Barn and about two acres of land on the north side of Burdickville Road.
The Society wishes to raise fund to rehabilitate the Poor Barn, including construction of restrooms and other facilities that would make the leased property a viable place for community events. This might include using a for profit vendor to provide food and possibly serve alcohol.
Commissioners voted 6-1 with Bunek opposed to forward the request to corporate counsel with directions to negotiate the terms and bring it back to the board for consideration.
