7.4. SR 03-17-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River comprehensive Plan Greenways and Open Spaces The Comprehensive Plan proposes to establish a greenway system throughout Elk River. The implementation of this concept is not a single action. It involves commitment to the concept and incremental steps to building this system. Much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, individual pieces are added within the framework of a broader plan. L Identify Key Properties The City's Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan currently underway will show potential greenway and open space patterns based on existing data. A Natural _ Resource Inventory (NRI) was completed in 2004 by the City which identified key natural areas in Elk River including wetlands, prairies, swamps, marshes, forested areas, and critical habitats. This information should continue to be utilized and incorporated into the review of future development and redevelopment applications. Establish a Finance Plan Limited financial resources will play a role in undertaking this initiative of maintaining and obtaining greenways within the City. Some potential funding strategies include, but are not limited to: Allowing a landowner to place a desired preservation area in an easement that is recorded on the deed to prohibit development of that land area. In return the landowner would receive some property tax relief. As appropriate, these areas should include a trail easement to allow public access and links with other areas. Encouraging property owners to donate property to the City for long-term preservation through the greenway and open space system. Using density bonuses as an incentive for additional land dedication. A developer can offset the loss of dedicated lands with the ability to building additional housing units or cluster the homes. The City's Open Space Preservation Plat regulations provide a model for the implementation of this strategy. The City can also grant the ability to add additional lots if certain criteria are met. Allowing additional units or smaller minimum lots might also be options for sewered subdivisions and zoning districts. This approach requires specific criteria for obtaining the bonus and limits on maximum changes in density. The greenway initiative promotes a reevaluation of the overall park dedication regulations, allowing the City to discuss the role of the park dedication, and to develop plans to ensure implementation of overall park open space needs. Shifting park dedication resources to greenways will reduce funds for other elements of the park system. Parks and greenways will compete with other services and facilities for property taxes. Some communities have sought voter approval to issue bonds to finance park and open space initiatives. 12 / Chapter 3: Using the Plan