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

The purpose of this case is to seek authorization for the City 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 will be provided if authorized by City Council.

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 cash contribution value would be approximately $66,000. The land dedication would 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 fees 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. would 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. Northfork, Inc. would desire to either 1) only convey a portion of Outlot C necessary to satisfy park dedication or 2) convey the entire parcel but make up the difference in value between the value of the lot and the amount required for park dedication purposes (Value Outlot E – Value of Park Dedication Requirements = Difference). The City could also explore other third-party funding opportunities.

Outlot E is encumbered by the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for the Northfork Addition and will take coordination with the Northfork Home Owners Association who manages said declaration. The risk to the City at this stage is accepting a parcel that may be restricted from developing in a manner desired for a public park. Staff desires to better understand the Northfork HOA’s understanding of ‘passive’ park, which appears to be acceptable to the neighborhood. Staff feels it appropriate to first better understand the issues as they exist today, then begin to develop alternatives from that point.

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.

Motion to authorize a public workshop to discuss the concept of a park on Outlot E, Moors Addition.