Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/2008

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Street NW. They are proposing to construct church and parking lot on the site. The minor plat is to develop five acres of the site; the remainder will be an out lot for future development. He stated that the area has been on the capital improvement plan as an expansion of Central Park for several years and explained that would no longer be an option since the land had been sold for development. He explained that the owners would like to build a church and are initially going to build on five acres in the southeast portion of the lot. He reported that the building would contain 400 seats with parking stalls for 200 vehicles. He reported that staff was recommending a cash dedication for park and trail dedication. He explained that the option of land donation would not be recommended as they are currently only developing five acres and the percentage would be small since only five acres to work with. Chairperson Johns questioned if the remainder of the land would come before the Commission again in the future when that development takes place. Civil Engineer Linton advised that the applicant is also petitioning for sewer and water as it only currently exists at the comer of the site. He explained that they are also requesting a land use change for the site. He explained that if the entire site were to be developed the costs for sewer and water fees as well as Park and Trail Dedication fees would be far more than the applicant had originally budgeted. Civil Engineer Linton advised that the ultimate plan would be for a much larger building with more parking. He explained that they are trying to make sure that the City's interests are looked out for in each step of the process. Commissioner Erickson questioned what the time line would be for the project. Civil Engineer Linton reported that it would be completed during the summer. Leon Fisher, representing Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Communities, advised that the reason they had to cutback on the development was because of the total amount of fees. He explained that the total amount of fees would be around one million dollars and stated that would put them out of business. He stated that they are trying to exist but do not have a lot of money currently. He explained that it does not work for their church to function out of a warehouse or a school. He stated that they are not trying to rip off the city but they are trying to develop and get the same treatment that other churches in the city are given. He explained that other churches are zoned in an R3 and advised that there is no other church that is expected to operate under a commercial zone. He explained that the commercial rate for Park Dedication fees is quite high for that many acres. He reported that City staff is requesting cash dedication. He explained that they want to be fair but also talk about the possibility of working something out with trails or land. He. explained that they are open to negotiations and the whole plan is on the table at this point. Commissioner Backous stated that in the interest of full disclosure he does sit as Chair of the Parish Council. He advised that he would sit out of the conversation and vote to avoid conflict of interest. Park and Recreation Commission/ April 1 0, 2008 Page 10 of 18