Figure 8, LLC is the owner of the New Hampstead Development, located in western Savannah along Little Neck Road south of I-16 and west of I-95.  Figure 8 has offered to donate a 863.26 acre site (consisting of three tracts accessible by City streets) encumbered by a conservation easement; as generally depicted on the accompanying exhibit. If accepted, this parcel will become the third largest assemblage of adjoining parcels owned by the City. The largest current parcel owned by the City is the airport property, and the second largest ownership comprises the Dean Forest Landfill parcels.

The donation parcel is encumbered by a conservation easement which limits the allowable uses of the property. However, there are two, five-acre portions of the property (located along Hampstead Parkway) that can be developed with up to a 2,500 square foot recreation/social building, and either a single family structure (caretake residence) OR a resort building (facility with up to 15 guest rooms and kitchen). This area can also be developed with fire pits, benches, shelters without walls, and related improvements. Forestry is allowed in select areas that represent about two-thirds of the property. Passive recreation is also allowed, such as nature trails, primitive camp sites, scenic overlooks, etc.. Trails must be pervious or constructed of wood platforms.

The petition has been reviewed by various City Departments, including Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Greenscapes, Public Works, Planning and Urban Design, Real Estate Services, and more. Acceptance of the donation is recommended, subject to the following conditions:

• The Real Estate Services Department will need to procure the services of a licensed Georgia Forester to develop a forestry management plan and to help manage the tracts. Specifically, staff anticipate portions of the site need to be thinned and other portions of the site need to be cleared and re-planted with timber seedlings. Staff will seek to generate revenue from timber sales to help offset planting, periodic burning, the development of fire breaks, and related site operating costs.
• The site will need to be secured with entry gates/fencing and security cameras to prevent trespass during non-operating hours, illegal dumping, hunting, and other unauthorized uses.
• Staff will explore creating partnerships with local government entities such as the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Georgia University System Forestry Program(s), as well as non-profit groups such as the Long Leaf Alliance and the Georgia Conservancy in order to help reduce long term operating costs.
• An environmental assessment will be conducted prior to closing, and title work will be researched and examined to verify clear and marketable title prior to closing.

Approval.