Work Order #16-09, Grand Avenue Improvements, will widen Grand Avenue from 52nd Street West to 58th Street West.  The City Engineer's office has been negotiating with the adjacent owners for the necessary right-of-way.  The right-of-way necessary to construct the improvements was identified on the design project plans and must be acquired prior to construction.  Hope Evangelical Church owns the property at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 56th Street West.  The church has agreed to donate the necessary right-of-way in exchange for the improvements being installed along their Grand Avenue frontage.  The value of the right of way and the improvements are roughly equal.

City Council may:

• Approve the right-of-way Agreement and warranty deed with Hope Evangelical Church, or;
• Disapprove the right-of-way agreement and warranty deed.  If not approved, there will not be enough right-of-way to widen Grand Avenue.

Hope Evangelical Church is donating the right of way and construction easement.  In exchange for the right of way, the project will construct all of the Grand Avenue improvements.  The value of the land is roughly equal to the cost of the improvements.

Staff recommends that Council approve the right-of-way agreement and warranty deed with Hope Evangelical Church.