Public Workshop to Review Acceptable Park Dedication Approach for Remaining Northfork Development; Case of Northfork, Inc.

The purpose of this case is to host a public workshop to review the potential of Outlot E, MOORS ADDITION (associated with the Northfork Subdivision) to be developed as a passive public park owned by maintained by the City. Outlot E is approximately 37 acres. This case is not to consider the actual Park Dedication proposal at this point. Staff and Northfork, Inc. feel that it is important to seek public input on this question before continuing discussions on the feasibility of the request. The parcel is identified as Future Park in the Master Park and Trail Plan and is zoned as Park.
 

Notification to residents was mailed during the week of July 30th, 2015.

There are two (2) components to consider for park dedication for Northfork, Inc.
 

1. The City approved a deferred park dedication contribution for previously approved portions of Northfork. The deferred contribution equates to two (2) acres.
2. Northfork, Inc. desires to construct approximately 20 new lots on a portion of Outlot C of Northfork Addition, located on the south side of Alpine Drive. The present-day cash Park Dedication contribution value would be approximately $66,000. Conversely, if not cash Park Dedication, the land dedication formula would equate to be approximately 3.5 acres.

The City has been approached by Northfork, Inc. to consider accepting land dedication to satisfy Park Dedication and Trail Development Fee(s) in lieu of a cash contribution. Northfork, Inc. desires to dedicate all or a portion of Outlot E, MOORS Addition. The specific details will be discussed as the request progresses. This first step is to simply address the over-arching policy question:

“Should the City consider developing a public park on Outlot E? If so, what improvements are acceptable to the surrounding neighborhood?”

The current assessed value for Outlot E is $247,000. Northfork, Inc. may want to retain soil rights for some period of time on Outlot E for purposes of creating fill for the new development area south of Alpine Drive.  (The may also be an opportunity to provide for the mass grading for a future park site.)  

Outlot E is encumbered by the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for the Northfork Addition and may take coordination with the Northfork Home Owners Association who manages said declaration. Because of this,Staff desires to better understand the Northfork HOA’s understanding of ‘passive’ park development, (a park description used previously by several homeowners when discussing this same proposal).  Thus, the purpose of this case, and the general subject of the open house or workshop.

The workshop would be handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Staff recommends that the City host a public workshop to discuss the concept of a park on Outlot E and to listen to residents ideas and any concerns for a proposed park.

Motion to recommend Staff continue to explore the North Fork Inc. Park Dedication proposal, subject to the findings, feedback and observations from the workshop.