Review Park Dedication Proposal for Future Northfork Plat

Mr. Dennis Peck, developer of Northfork Inc., has requested that the City consider a proposal for pre-payment of park dedication requirements for a 30+ acre parcel identified for future development through a land contribution in fee-title.  This proposal would also satisfy the remainder of park dedication requirements for those parcels of Northfork that are already platted as part of the 1987 Planned Unit Development (PUD).  At the time of the original plat, it was agreed that the remainder of park dedication for this subdivision would be satisfied at a future date when a suitable parcel was identified to satisfy this requirement. 

Mr. Peck has identified his inquiry as a fact-finding discussion to see what the City would be willing to accept for park dedication before proceeding forward with the future development.

Mr. Peck is proposing to convey an approximately 30 acre parcel (Outlot E, Moors Addition) adjacent to the existing Lake Itasca Trail (see attached map).

No notification required.

The 30+ acre identified as Proposed Future Development (map attached) has been calculated to have a park dedication requirement for 3.35 acre as land dedication or $30,600 to $51,975 (depending on final number of lots) as cash contribution.  In addition, Northfork currently owes the City approximately one (1) acre of park dedication requirement from existing PUD development.  Outlot E, proposed to potentially be conveyed, is approximately 30 acres.  Finally, Mr. Peck has stated he would like to retain soil rights to Outlot E for purposes of grading needs on the Proposed Future Development site or export of soil for sale.  Outlot E is identified as a future/proposed park on the Master Park and Trail Map.

Staff relayed the recent discussions regarding the ultimate disposition of certain City-owned properties to Mr. Peck.  Staff has, however, identified several benefits to considering this parcel (and his proposal), as it is contiguous to the Lake Itasca Trail and could serve as a future community park.  First, the future land use of the surrounding area with larger tracts of medium and high density residential may necessitate the demand for an additional community park, as identified on the Master Park and Trail Map. 

Second, as the City Council may recall, the City accepted a 4.17 acre parcel in fee-title from Legacy Christian Academy to satisfy their park dedication requirements. Acceptance of Outlot E would free up this parcel for sale.  Outlot E may provide more benefit to the Park and Trail System than the Legacy parcel as it is contiguous to existing park and trail infrastructure. 

Further, Outlot E could also replace park and open space if Whispering Pines and Forest Hideaway (or other area parcels) are identified for sale.  Finally, conveyance of Outlot E would provide public access to Lake Itasca, where no public access exists today.  (The current trail along the east side of Lake Itasca exists on this parcel through a trail easement.)

As it relates to retaining soil rights, Staff would recommend some sort of sunset clause in order to not preclude or delay development of the park at such time the City would contemplate construction.  The sunset clause could be 10-20 years, or when significant park construction is planned, whichever comes first.

As a further point of information, Mr. Peck is also in discussions with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  and the Minnesota Land Trust on a potential conservation easement, in the event that the City is not interested in the park dedication proposal.

Based on discussion.

Review of the request is being handled as part of regular staff duties.

Based on discussion.  Provide direction to Staff if further discussions with Mr. Peck are desired in regards to the proposal for park dedication.