09-27-2023 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council FROM: Bryce Shearen, CPRE, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Director Chris Heineman, City Administrator DATE: September 27, 2023 RE: Pioneer Park – Phase II INTRODUCTION The multi-tenant industrial property and single-family home located at 2884 and 2886 Centerville Road have been identified as key properties to acquire in the City of Little Canada 2022 Strategic Plan and Pioneer Park Master Plan. If acquired, the property would be used to enhance the City and provide spaces to become a more welcoming community and offer updated amenities to the community such as a potential community gathering space. BACKGROUND The City’s 2022 Strategic Plan is a planning process that establishes a practical vision for the community. The Strategic Plan identifies strategic directions to help achieve that vision. One of the strategic directions is: Maximizing our Assets to Catalyze Development - The City is attempting to continuously keep the community vital and a great place to live. Efforts in development, redevelopment, housing and amenities help keep the City economically healthy and attractive. Efforts are aimed at replacing blight with development, increasing housing opportunities, and adding to public amenities. (2022 Strategic Plan) This strategic direction was an update from the 2019 Strategic Plan which also included the goal that the City would have a flexible gathering space(s) for the community by 2025. At the December 2019 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting, staff presented the potential for adding a community building to accommodate approximately 125-150 people within the existing footprint of Pioneer Park and presented a few examples from other local communities. The Parks & Recreation Commission supported the idea and recommended further research on where the community building could be placed at Pioneer Park. After considering several options, it was determined that acquiring the parcels at 2884 and 2886 Centerville Road would be the best location for a new community gathering space at Pioneer Park. The 2022 Strategic Plan includes a strategic initiative related to acquisition of these parcels, and this area was designated as Phase 2 Master Plan Area in the Pioneer Park Master Plan.