Town takes second option on Hedlin’s Ballfield

The La Conner Town Council chose an unexpected path last week as it sought further direction in its quest to purchase Hedlin’s Ballfield for a mixed-use residential and public space development.

The Council without dissent committed to taking out a second $37,000 one-year option on the nearly two-acre site off Maple Avenue.

The Council action, coming at the close of a lengthy discussion during its Feb. 9 Zoom session, was in response to strong indications the Town would recover its option outlays when the nearly two-acre property is marketed.

Thus, the option renewal represents an investment in time, allowing Town officials and residents to delve more deeply into proposed plans for the ballfield should its purchase be realized.

“I think the Council went with the second option because the confidence is there that we’ll get the money back.” Mayor Ramon Hayes told the Weekly News.

The Council was reassured by La Conner real estate broker and former builder Dick Nord, who expressed optimism the Town could recoup any purchase costs with perhaps a surplus, monies that might be earmarked for its park plan or toward a long-sought ring dike project north of the school campus.

“The market,” Nord said, “is hot now. La Conner is the best place in the world to live.”

The Town has for nearly a year envisioned buying the property from the Hedlin family at a below-market price and selling three-fourths of it for housing starts and retaining the remaining 25 per cent for a park and play area.

Prior to Nord’s presentation, Town Planner Marianne Manville-Ailles shared with the Council scenarios by which space designated for public use could be increased from 25 per cent to 30 or 40 per cent.

Manville-Ailles said a 25-75 per cent model would leave 60,000 square feet available for up to 19 housing units. A 30-70 per cent split would reduce residential area to 56,000 square feet, enough for 10 single-family lots or a maximum 18 units. A 40-60 per cent division would increase park space to 32,000 square feet, leaving six single-family building lots and a potential for 15 units.

An informal poll of Council members showed a consensus continues to favor the Town’s original 25-75 per cent proposal.

“The Town needs to develop as much of the property as possible to recoup as much of its costs as possible,” Councilmember Bill Stokes said.

Another balancing act involves crafting a plan that would provide enough housing units to assure more moderate prices for prospective buyers. On the other hand, a local citizen’s advisory group is seeking as much public space as possible at the ballfield, which for decades has served as a community youth sports venue.

Members of the citizen’s group expressed appreciation that the Town was willing to secure a second option, a prospect that had appeared unlikely leading up to the Council meeting a week ago Tuesday.

“The $37,000 would be well spent to buy more time to come up with a creative, forward-thinking plan for the property,” said La Conner resident Amy McFeely. “This decision is so big. I urge you to consider investing the $37,000 for our future.”

“We are all appreciative of your willingness to look at all the different avenues,” resident Mike Ritchie added.

Hayes said after purchasing adjoining farmland for its diversified agricultural business, the Hedlin family more than a year ago offered to sell the ballfield to the Town to offset those costs.

“The Hedlins wanted it to remain all public space,” Hayes explained, “but the Council didn’t think we could afford that. The 25 per cent plan was an option where multiple goals of the Town could be met.”

The Town, to achieve compliance with its Comprehensive Plan, has rezoned the ballfield – which is bordered on three sides by homes – for residential use. But that still allows space within to be designated for public use.

Hayes said the citizen’s advisory group has played a key part in helping determine how much and what shape that public space is likely to take.

“The citizen’s group’s input will be invaluable going into the final plan,” he said.