Page Property

by Carol Campbell

Background-

The 50 acre property with a home, barns and an illegal rock cleaning area was purchased for 6.7 million dollars in 10/2023 by the Town of Erie. The property was annexed into the town boundaries in 01/2024 with agricultural zoning. 3.3 million dollars of the property was paid for using ARPA (American Rescue) money. $100,000 of the 3.3 million was used to pay for demolition and cleanup on the property after purchase. The present pond on the property is from ditch seepage. 50 % of the property is not buildable due to various issues including ditches, cell tower, and other items not mentioned during the public meeting.

Originally the Town planned on building affordable housing as well as maintaining some open space at the property.

The town of Erie is storing some items in the barn, but the barn is not useable for the public at present.

Public Comment-

Most comments were from residents of Northridge development which is across the street from the Page property. The property which is not officially open to the public is being used for nature walks. Northridge residents did not want to see affordable housing or development there as it could damage the ecosystem. People enjoyed the wildlife including owls, herons, and hawks that they could see on their walks. There was some interest from residents in having an Erie history museum, and interpretive signage on the trails if the Council kept this property as 100 % open space.

Council Decision-

All Councilors voted for 100% Open Space for the property.

Council directed the town staff to:

Bring an ordinance to Council to zone the entire Page Property as AG/Reserve Open Space this summer.

Include in the 2027 Budget a funding plan for ARPA funds revenue replacement for affordable housing, with a payment plan from TNACC, the Open Space and Trails Fund.

Determine the feasibility of future uses that may include items such as, but not limited to, creating a nature center/historical center, a trailhead where all the trails in the area come together, a paved or gravel parking lot for the trailhead, and Old Town overflow parking. This feasibility analysis will be due in 2027, assuming funding is approved in the budget.