At a meeting today, the City Council will consider whether to take part in upcoming auctions of about 164 acres of trust properties next to or near the city-run WestWorld equestrian park and special events venue.

The land is valued at more than $60 million.

The city would primarily use the land for parking in support of the annual Barrett-Jackson auction at WestWorld and the annual professional golf tournament at the nearby Tournament Players Club course, as well as other events.

Scottsdale has been working for months to keep the auction, its most lucrative event, at WestWorld. The city estimates the weeklong carbuying extravaganza pumps $73 million into the local economy.

Auction president Craig Jackson has threatened to relocate unless long-standing parking, traffic and flooding issues at the equestrian center are resolved.

The effort could begin as early as Wednesday, when the State Land Department will put 80 acres north of Bell Road near 94th Street up for auction. Bidding is set to start at $27.6 million — or $345,000 per acre — for the residentially zoned parcel.

Four other parcels encompassing 84 acres next to West-World are expected to go up for auction later this year. The parcels south of Bell Road and 94th Street are valued at $36 million.

The price at Wednesday’s auction is likely to be driven higher by the major development companies expected to bid, said Richard Hubbard, deputy state land commissioner.

As of Monday, eight had registered to participate.

Posted: 09|14|05 at 9:16 am. Filed under: US News.