Consider Park Dedication Recommendations Related to Riverstone South; Case of Capstone Homes/Riverstone Development

The purpose of this case is to consider Park Dedication Recommendations for Riverstone South, a proposed 243 lot single-family subdivision. This Preliminary Plat Submittal represents conformance to the planning framework approved by the Planning Commission (as well as Park and Recreation Commission) and City Council as well as the Sketch Plan recently submitted and reviewed by the Planning Commission. 

Notification is not required for this particular case.

This step is the result of a 12 month planning and collaboration process between the City, Developer, Property Owner and adjacent neighborhood. The Preliminary Plat has been prepared consistent with previous City direction. This case has been prepared at a summary level. Materials from the City Council direction at the Sketch Plan Phase are attached for more detailed background. 


The City has some additional discretion in this project.

1. Project Requires Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment (highest level of discretion the City can have in land use decisions)
2. The Project is requesting that the City contribute dollars to the Riverdale Drive Extension

The Developer is proposing to dedicate 1 acre of land for and a $350,000 cash contribution for a neighborhood park to serve this neighborhood as well other adjacent neighborhoods in the area. Staff believes it is important to have proximate recreational opportunities for a neighborhood of this size. Parks/Assistant Public Works Superintendent will provide a general overview of a potential design approach to this future park. Additionally, at the Park and Recreation Commission's review in June of 2020, the Commission noted the importance of ensuring appropriate trail connections through the plat and to the East for future access to destinations in that direction.  The Developer is showing a trail along the arterial street of Riverstone South (Pearson Boulevard or Parkway), consistent with the City's policy of requiring trails along all arterial streets as a basic, Developer funded infrastructure. 

City Code provides the City the option to secure 10% of land or a cash contribution established by annual ordinance (or some sort of combination thereof) to satisfy required Park Dedication requirements authorized by State Statute. 

Separately, the Developer has proposed 7 acres of open space preservation for a portion of the natural forest and would be purchased by the City with a third-party funding source geared towards open space preservation. 

Staff recommends that Park Dedication be satisfied through dedication of 1 acre of land along with a $350,000 cash contribution for the park's development. Additionally, the Preliminary Plat should reflect that any trail width be 10' foot in keeping with the city's standard.

Further, that a small pedestrian access should be located along Street A to connect the neighborhood's residents with the 7+ acre Tree Preservation site.  This could consist of an easement or an Home Owners Association parcel and would not need any improvements (trail or sidewalk), but should be demarcated with a sign or boundary markers. 

Trail Fees for Riverstone South would be due based upon the Rates and Charges in affect at the time of platting, per residential lot created.

Motion to recommend that the City Council accept the proposal to satisfy Park Dedication through dedication of 1 acre of land along with a $350,000 cash contribution; together with a pedestrian access point to the Tree Preservation area, and the payment of Trail Fees of $1,000 per residential lot platted in 2021.