5.A.1. PRSR 10-13-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to Park and Recreation Commission/P 99-11 October 13, 1999 Page 2 • Park dedication fee requirements shall be based upon the number of lots that • could be created with a conventional standard subdivision layout if fees are paid in lieu of land. The developer would like to dedicate the 12.06 acres of wooded open space that is central to the homes as City park in lieu of park dedication fees. In addition, the developer would like to incorporate a concrete sidewalk on the residential side of the 212th Avenue and Landers Street as a public amenity beyond what is required by the Subdivision Ordinance. The developer states that this amenity would not be affordable if park dedication fees were required. The developer also believes that the City should waive park dedication fees for cluster developments in order to create an incentive for developers. The developer believes that open space is a public benefit and the costs of clustering homes and septic systems is more expensive than conventional rural (2.5 acre lot) development. Master Park and Recreation Plan The Master Park Plan does not identify a need for a park in this area. Woodland Trails Park is located about 4 miles to the south on Elk Lake Road. The Master Park Plan only identifies neighborhood park needs in the Urbanized portions of the City. Considerations • The Master Park and Recreation Plan may need to be updated to better incorporate possible park and recreation in the R1a zoning district. Future cluster subdivisions in this area could be link together to create a network of park and open space areas. Is the public benefit of preserving open space a fair trade-off to provide incentives for developers to try cluster development? Is it a benefit to parks and recreation if the open space is linked to the City's park system and open to the public? Is the proposed park suitable for park and recreation purposes? If the public was allowed on private open space, there is no guarantee that the trails and open space will receive proper maintenance. It is also likely that if the public used the trails and open space, then the homeowner's association might then ask the City to provide maintenance. Although the public might legally have a right to use the open space, it is unclear how welcoming the neighborhood might be to all residents and associated activities. Action Requested Consider the park dedication requirements for Windsor Park, a 31-lot single-family residential cluster development. Staff has outlined three alternatives and recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend either of the • first two. The alternatives are as follows: \\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\stevewen\parkmmo\p99-12.doc