Royal Oak tightens controls on land sales

When tough times have hit Royal Oak recently, the call from many commissioners has been to sell parkland. That's decision does not rest solely in their hands. Under state law, Michigan cities can only sell parkland that is identified as surplus in a master plan. Royal Oak's Park Master Plan does not note any parkland as surplus.

The Commission recently made land sales a little more transparent -- a good thing. A new land sale policy was developed as a result of a proposed development at the site of the driving range and putt-putt golf course.

From the Daily Tribune:

The fourth vote needed to move ahead with a deal aimed at selling the city’s driving range and putt-putt course to a shopping center developer didn’t materialize Monday.

The City Commission seemed to take a step in the opposite direction when it unanimously passed a two-part policy proposed by member Terry Drinkwine that says:

* Elected officials shall not sell any city-owned property unless two public hearings are held prior to the land being put on the open market.

* Any city-owned property offered for sale by the City Commission must go through the competitive bidding process.

We support this new policy. This along with state law may deter parkland fire sales in order to pay short-term bills.