The Duffy administration had hoped to hire a firm to appraise the city-owned land around Hemlock and Canadice Lakes. But last night City Council turned down his request, 5-2, citing concerns that in the future the city might want to sell the land.

Mayor Bob Duffy has not said that he wants to let the land be developed, but some Councilmembers didn't buy the administration's argument that the city should at least be aware of the property's value.

Councilmembers Carolee Conklin, Dana Miller, Adam McFadden, John Lightfoot, and Gladys Santiago voted against the appraisal, and Council President Lois Giess and Bob Stevenson voted in favor of it.

The no vote seemed to surprise some people. "The appraisal is just a decision to look at the value of something that is precious," said Stevenson.

But Conklin, using family heirlooms as an analogy, said some things are priceless. And Miller said an appraisal could create a temptation for future administrations faced with financial problems.