03-02-2017 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STAFF REPORT TO: Parks and Recreation Commission Members FROM: Jessica Jagoe, Associate Planner DATE: February 22, 2017 RE: Cash for Homes – Park Dedication Charges Cash for Homes, Developer of 2736 & 2744 Rice Street, is in the process of seeking approval for a 14 unit townhome development off of Rice Street. Both parcels were previously owned by Betty Winters and currently have single-family residential structures on them that will be demolished when the project moves forward. As part of the final plat review, the determination needs to be made as to w hether the City will want land for park development or a cash contribution in lieu of land. Under the Subdivision Ordinance, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviews the plans for Development and shall make a recommendation to the City Council as to which avenue is best for the City for park purposes. 1007.030. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall recommend to the City Council the location of the land and the amount of land to be conveyed or dedicated within a proposed subdivision. 1007.040. When a cash contribution is made in lieu of a dedication of land, the Parks and Recreation Commission shall recommend to the City Council the amount of cash that should be so contributed, which recommendation shall be based upon Little Canada Ordinance No. 161 as may be amended. This development is located directly off of Rice Street. The site is 1.89 acres. The property abuts single family residential properties along Iona Lane on the south side. To the north, there is a mix of commercial properties and the Villas Townhomes. As a condition of the platting process, city staff is requesting that sidewalk extension be created along Rice Street. The sidewalk will not connect to the existing sidewalk along Rice Street at this time. When Rice Street is reconstructed by Ramsey County in the not so distant future, the complete sidewalk system will connect on the east side of Rice from County Road B to Market Place Drive. Within this area there are no existing trails or future trail connections dedicated that would link up to this Development. Also, this parcel as mentioned is in the middle of a mixed-use area along Rice Street which is not an ideal location for the dedication of park land nor does the Comprehensive Park Plan call for additional park land in this area. As a result, it would be staff’s recommendation that the Parks and Recreation Commission request the City Council seek a cash contribution in lieu of land for the Cash For Homes development. The Cash For Homes development would fall into the multi-family dwelling with 8 units or less category which would be subject to a $3,500 Park Land Dedication charge per unit (14 units x $3,500 = $49,000).