06-23-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 23, 2004 Fahey stated that there is no majority support on the Council to retain this property as open space. Fahey felt that the Watershed development would be a good development of the site, and indicated that the neighborhood could end up with something worse. Fahey again stated there is no good reason to retain the property as open space. Novak asked why not. Fahey pointed out that the property is adjacent to an improved public street versus adjacent to swamp land or a park or recreational amenity. Montour indicated that it was his understanding that the property was rezoned in 2002 to Public because the City did not want it developed as a residential home. Fahey indicated that the rezoning was a nice way of saying no to the individual who was proposing to purchase and develop a house on this property. Blesener stated that he can see retaining the property as open space, however, the City was willing to look at the proposal that the Watershed put forth. Blesener stated that he cannot see developing the site as a commercial office building or as residential property. Pam Davis, Noel Drive, indicated that she works professionally with watershed management, and knows the Watershed would be a good neighbor. However, she expressed concern about the Council diminishing the value of open space. Davis indicated that open space adds value to a city and a neighborhood. Davis asked about the process for the community to make decisions about selling a property versus retaining it a part of a recreational area or park. Fahey indicated that the status of the Noel Drive property was reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Parks & Recreation Commission and neither body wanted to retain this parcel as open space. Fahey indicated that he has been a big promoter of the City acquiring open space and pointed out the amount of parkland the City has acquired during his tenure. Fahey felt the Noel Drive lot does not ft into the City's criteria for or planned development of open space. He noted that this is a lot that is adjacent to a public street that can be sold and revenue generated for the City. Fahey suggested that the City could take the reverse position and acquire all the undeveloped properties in the City and retain them as open space ceasing development in Little Canada. Fahey indicated that it is a question of the criteria that is established for the retention of open space. Fahey stated that in his criteria, the Noel Drive property does not fit for open space. Anderson pointed out that everyone lives on property that was once open space, and there is sometimes the feeling that development should stop. Anderson stated that he agreed with Fahey and felt the Council had to take 9