What is going on with the eighth lot on Lake Mitchell?
Social media is already a buzz with conspiracy and corruption claims because the upcoming lot auction, on October 23rd, at 3:00 PM, has not included all the eight lots. It currently is set for only seven of those eight lots voted on by the public to sell to assist with funding improvements to Lake Mitchell. As a recently declared 2024 Mayoral Candidate stated on social media, “is this going to be just another one of those shady Mitchell real estate deals where someone gets a free lot, or they get a, a, cheap lot…..”, this will hopefully help clear up his misconceptions.
As the City prepared to put all eight lots on the market, one of the lots in the horseshoe of South Harmon Drive, appeared to have some concerns associated with it. It looked as if a neighbor had encroachments related to the lot. To ensure any issues were addressed prior to placing the lot for sale, the City had a new survey completed to better understand the conditions and any possible encroachments. The result of the survey showed there are not any major or structural encroachments by the neighbor (there is a minor landscaping encroachment), but that the property lines along the lake make a jog into the lot making it too narrow to be able to put a structure on the lot without a variance from the Planning and Zoning Board. To simply re-plat the lot does not work, as the land required to re-plat into the lot to make it more useable, is considered Park Land due to the vote taken years ago to make all City property around Lake Mitchell Park Land. Which means, in order to re-plat, and sell the added piece of land, the action must be voted on by Mitchell residents to allow the addition of the area to the lot. To put the lot on the market without the ability to sell it to ANY buyer (with the lot being difficult to build on in its current state) would likely reduce the value of the lot, and the revenue received from that lot, dramatically.
Therefore, the lot was removed from the current list of lots being sold, and WILL BE SOLD at a later date. The City will have the lot plat modified to allow slightly more area near the lake shore, making it possible to build on the lot without a variance. That will require voters to approve the area re-platted into the lot. That should allow anyone to be able to offer on the lot, bringing more revenue for it.
So, what happens if the Mitchell voters do not approve adding the re-platted area to the lot? The sale of the lot will go forward. The lot will be put on the market as is, and it would be expected to bring a reduced value over a property somebody could develop with a residence, or other permitted structure. As you can see, City Officials are trying to get the best price for the lot, as the community was told from the outset in this endeavor!
There is not conspiracy or corruption related to this, or any lots, on Lake Mitchell. My door is always open to discuss any City business, and I am always happy to discuss any city business you may have questions on or concerns with. I hope this helps resolve any misconceptions or concerns out there.