Recommend Park Dedication for North Commons

The City of Ramsey's Housing and Redevelopment Authority is in the process of submitting a subdivision plan for the creation of 17 lots in the northwest portion of the COR, east of Armstrong Boulevard, and north of Bunker Lake Boulevard.  The attached exhibit shows these lots, together with the park area that the Commission has most recently acted on in terms of grading and irrigation for the park.

The Planning Commission is anticipated to conduct a Public Hearing, and also consider a Preliminary Plat for North Commons on June 19th, 2012.

In that North Commons (the park area) is in place, Park Dedication is being proposed as a cash contribution.  The cash dedication for the 17 lots will be $42,075 and the Trail Fees equate to $10,200.  The HRA is developing these lots with the express purpose of getting the vacant land onto the tax rolls (as opposed to a private developer who would be netting a profit); therefore, Park Dedication and Trail Fees shall be satisfied as the lots are sold to a private developer - instead of 'upfront' with Final Plat approval.

The purpose of this case is to recommend to City Council the satisfaction of Park Dedication and Trail Fees. However, this topic may also include the discussion of a play structure for North Commons.  The play structure is an amenity that has been requested by the existing residents in that area of the COR and also further east within Town Center Gardens.

Earlier, a concept was discussed relative to moving an existing, city-owned playground to North Commons from another park space. Staff continues to monitor that playground's use, and finds that it appears to remain popular (more information will be available at the meeting).  If a new play structure for North Commons is the consensus of the Commission and City Council, the desired timing should be discussed.

This case discusses the receipt of Park Dedication and Trail Fees to the city from the subdivision of lots.

Motion to recommend to City Council that Park Dedication be satisfied by cash in lieu of land dedication for North Commons.