M E M O R A N D U M


      November 22, 2011
		

To:		Members of the Board of Trustees

From: 	Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject:	Acquisition of Real Property – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Action Requested

      The proposed resolution authorizes the acquisition of properties for the College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Resolution

I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

Whereas it is necessary for the purposes of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry to acquire real properties to accommodate future growth, specifically the construction of a new 120,000 sq. ft. academic research building which will foster educational and research opportunities and provide the College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a mission-critical facility; and 

Whereas the College has under consideration two sites located in the City of Syracuse in close proximity to the College, identified on the map attached hereto as the “ESF Foundation” site and the “Syracuse University” site, respectively; and

Whereas each the ESF Foundation site, owned by an affiliate of the ESF Foundation,  and the Syracuse University site, owned by Syracuse University, has an appraised value of $4,250,000; now, therefore, be it




Resolved that either the ESF Foundation site or the Syracuse University site located in the City of Syracuse, County of Onondaga, State of New York, be purchased, as the President of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry shall determine, for a sum not to exceed $4,250,000, as established by a proper appraisal, and accurate surveys and approval of titles to said real properties by the Attorney General; and, be it further

Resolved that the President of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry, or designee, be, and hereby is, authorized to execute any and all documents, notices, maps, or any other instruments necessary or appropriate to effect the acquisition of title to and possession of such real properties; and, be it further 

Resolved that Res. 2011-076, adopted June 15, 2011, be, and the same hereby is, repealed.

Background

	The College of Environmental Science and Forestry has been considering two sites as location for the project described hereafter.  By Res. 2011-076, adopted June 15, 2011, the Board authorized ESF to purchase the site presently owned by Syracuse University.  However, certain issues have arisen in the negotiations with Syracuse University that may make proceeding with acquisition of that site less desirable than the ESF Foundation site.  The proposed resolution authorizes the President of the College to determine which site to acquire and to take steps to effect the acquisition.

	The acquisition of these real properties will provide the land necessary for construction of a 120,000 sq. ft. academic research building that will foster educational and research opportunities which ESF is unable to provide within its current research facilities. The academic research building will utilize 60% less energy than a traditional science research building, thereby significantly reducing ESF’s carbon footprint and impact on the environment. It will be a highly sustainable facility that will express innovative technology and provide for world-class research and office space. The facility will have interior and exterior spaces that enable opportunities for cross-disciplinary integration of research activity and collaborations that will serve multiple generations.

	Each of the two sites was appraised, respectively, at $4,250,000 in March 2011. Both the ESF Foundation site and Syracuse University site are near ESF’s main campus and campus dormitories.

Attachment
Board Resolution0-2-0November 22, 2011

Board Resolution0-2-0November 22, 2011