Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/12/1995

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MEMORANDUM DATE: December 12, 1994 Park and Recreation Commission CC: City Administrator Ryan Schroeder City Engineer Steven Jankowski Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Economic Development Coordinator Jim Gromberg FROM: Parks/Utilities Supervisor Mark Boos Park Dedication for Non-Owner Occupied Dwellings The City of Ramsey currently has one apartment building. This 26-unit structure is marketed for adults only. On two occasions this last year, Staff has responded to exploratory questions related to apartment buildings by prospective developers. Staffs feedback, related to park dedication and the provision of recreation for apartments, was that the park dedication rate would be the same per dwelling unit as other structures and that the apartment owners would have to develop and maintain a tot lot and recreation space commensurate with their needs. The notion being that after the children are 8 years old or so they may then travel to a neighborhood park. In addition, this would relive the City of the responsibility of providing tot lots helter-skelter throughout the City, and the high maintenance costs associated with this intense use. In the case of an adult building, a covenant could run with the land to designate a future recreation space in the event that the building's demographics change. I believe a reasonable threshold for requiring the above would be at or about an 8, two-bedroom building (a one-bedroom unit would be unlikely to sponser children). Obviously, if an apartment building would be constructed immediately adjacent to an existing, or planned for, City tot lot, the internal play area may not be required. Assuming the Commission concurs with the general threshold and requirements outlined above, Staff will recommend adopting a policy reflecting this so that all are apprised of the Commission's probable park dedication requirements relating to apartment buildings and other non-owner occupied structures after the 8, two-bedroom distinction. The policy would be prepared and recommended via a regular Park and Recreation Commission case providing for the usual public comment. I I I I I I Ii loc> I