Gilbert might temporarily lease for farming some of its vacant land parcels once planned for park development. The land includes virtually all the land it bought for $50.2 million in 2009.
The town has identified four possible parcels that are not likely to be developed for at least several years, including about 60 acres of the Zinke properties at Greenfield and Germann roads. The Zinke deal created controversy three years ago after The Arizona Republic disclosed the town paid dairy farmer Bernard Zinke far more per acre than the market price for comparable land and had never obtained an appraisal before approving the deal.
Welsh told the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Board last month that the move is in response to a request by a resident farmer. But the farmer, Jeff Czerniski, died of a heart attack while he was irrigating land. He was 47.
Welsh plans to take the bid package to Town Council for authorization in early February. It’s not clear yet what the lease rates will be. The request for proposals will likely ask interested parties to respond with the rates they are prepared to pay.
Information from The Arizona Republic
