Agenda Item 4f.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-LRA-081
PRESENTED TO THE BOARD MARCH 25, 2020
TO:

LRA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OTIS WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FROM:

LAURA COSTELLO

RE:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PILOT PROGRAM KNOWN AS THE
“URBAN AGRICULTURE PILOT PROGRAM”

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This Resolution authorizes a pilot program to sell vacant parcels of land owned by The Land
Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis, Missouri for long-term food entrepreneurship
activities, subject to certain contingencies.

BACKGROUND:
LRA was created by state statute with the task of returning tax-delinquent lands to effective
utilization in order to provide housing, new jobs and industry for the citizens of St. Louis. As
part of its mission, LRA is always seeking new ways to sell more property that it owns. This
pilot program will concentrate on placing vacant parcels of land into urban agricultural use.
Normal closing contingencies such as approved budget and financing will still apply to accepted
offers.
Applicants for this pilot program should meet or expect to meet the following parameters:


Eligible properties – no more than seven properties in the 26th ward to be identified by
Missouri Coalition for the Environment.



Buyers should demonstrate experience with growing food, a commitment to land
stewardship, a commitment to supporting the surrounding community, and must live
within ½ mile of the parcel they are seeking to purchase.



Input will be accepted from the Missouri Coalition for the Environment regarding the
proposed project and successful applicants will be expected to enter into a Memorandum
of Understanding with the Missouri Coalition for the Environment that sets forth the
details of their project. Closing will be contingent upon execution of this Memorandum
of Understanding.



Buyers will inspect property, prepare a plan, a budget, and provide proof of funds to be
able to carry out their project.



Buyers will have up to 18 months to create the project and maintain the property
according to city code.

Resolution No. 20-LRA-081

 

If buyer does not complete project in 18 months, property will revert to LRA.



Buyers will be required to own and utilize the property for at least three years.



Buyers will sign a Quit Claim Deed to LRA at the closing, which will be held until the
three year compliance period has expired.

Approval of all LRA property sales are wholly at the discretion of the LRA Board of
Commissioners; however, an applicant that meets or is willing to meet the parameters outlined
above is expected to be recommended by staff.

REQUESTED ACTION:
Approval of this Resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE
LAND REUTILIZATION AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI THAT:
1. The Land Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis, Missouri hereby authorizes the
Urban Agriculture pilot program as set forth above.
2. The Executive Director or his authorized designee is authorized and directed, on behalf of
LRA to take any action and execute any instruments, documents or affidavits to
effectuate the intent of this Resolution. The signature of the Executive Director or his
designee shall be conclusive evidence of approval by the Authority.
3. This Resolution shall take effect and be in full force immediately after its passage and
approval by the governing body of the Authority.
ADOPTED this 25th day of March 2020.
THE LAND REUTILIZATION AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

By: _________________________________
Title: _______________________________
(SEAL)

ATTEST:
______________________
Assistant Secretary

Resolution No. 20-LRA-081