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5 Oneka Commons Sketch Plan 2023 Parks/Trails Because of the residential density proposed and proximity to future businesses special attention should be paid to the trails and sidewalks for both recreation and transportation purposes. Additionally, the development is adjacent to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, which connects many of Hugo’s trails and parks. According to the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan trails and sidewalks are to be built with new developments that connect the community and ensure safe access to parks, downtown, and other important areas in the City. The developer is proposing meandering trails connecting to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail along the ditch. This would provide a scenic and desirable recreational amenity. There are other connections to the trail proposed in the development. There is a trail on the west side of Fenway Avenue North in the Oneka Estates neighborhood to the south. According to the Existing and Proposed Trails Map, this trail is planned to be extended to Frenchman Avenue with the extension of the roadway. This needs to be included in the development plans. Additionally, the planned trail on the south side of Frenchman Avenue needs to be included in the development plans. Sidewalks have been constructed along both sides of Victor Path, which should continue as it goes west of the roundabout. Park dedication is required for all residential development. The land dedication requirement percentage goes up as the residential density goes up. In lieu of land dedication, the Parks Commission could recommend the fee of $3,400 be paid per unit. The developer has a proposed park shown on the plan. The park does not show any amenities such as playground equipment. The area where the park is located does not look like there is much usable space. The land dedication shall be usable land for the Parks Commission to give credit for park dedication. The park system and dedication proposal should be further evaluated by staff and the Parks Commission for the needs in the area. Landscaping and Screening The plan shows placement of some existing trees, particularly along the ditch to the south, and some new landscaping within the gathering spaces and along the streets. The plan shows landscaping within the roundabout and around the monument sign at the main entrance creating a feel that you’re entering the development. The ditch to the south has several mature trees along the edges. Ditches get maintained periodically which includes removal trees. The applicant should install additional landscaping along the south side of the property to provide screening/buffers, in case the trees are removed with ditch maintenance. Streets and Access Generally the proposed access locations and street locations meet the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. The applicant is showing a right-in/right-out access to Frenchman Road/CSAH 8 that is not on Washington County’s corridor plan and would need to be approved