Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett, Commissioners Fyten, Sis, Bayer, Logan, Trappen and Troy. Voting No: None. Absent: None 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Review Concept Plan for Pearson Farm: Case of Capstone Homes Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the purpose of this case is to provide preliminary feedback for a future plat currently known as Pearson Farm. The development will be a combination of single family homes and townhomes. Mr. Riverblood indicated the location of the proposed sub -division on a map. He showed the proposal for the sub -division. The southern portion of the development would be developed first. There would be approximately 98 townhomes and over 300 single family homes within the entire proposed plat, after all the phases would be complete. Three private open spaces were indicated on the map. These private open spaces are proposed by the developer to be available for community use. These open space areas are typically not included in Park Dedication. Mr. Riverblood showed examples of another Capstone subdivision in photographs of homes having their own small play structures, and summarized the City's policy relative to pocket parks. The greenway corridor, which has been previously discussed with the Commission, was indicated on a map. Staff feels that Park Dedication may include improvements to the Lake Itasca Park. A public meeting regarding the development of Lake Itasca is suggested to be held sometime this summer Park Dedication proceeds could also be used in some of the other park areas including the water -centric park. A splash pad has been requested by the residents during the public engagement process leading up to the acquisition of the land for Lake Itasca Park and would be consistent with a water -centric park within The COR. The 4 acres to the north near Puma Street and Alpine Drive may also be considered as part of the Park Dedication agreement. These 4 acres are currently owned by the City. A larger greenway could extend from the COR along the wetland to Lake Itasca. An underpass for pedestrians is being considered under Alpine Drive. The cost for this is estimated to be $400,000 - $500,000. This would provide safe access for residents. Wildlife also typically uses these types of underpasses. The Mississippi River Trail is also along Puma Street, and could also have some landscape improvements associated with the trail ( which is also United States Bikeway #45) as part of the Park Dedication agreement. Agreements could be made with the developer for either cash or construction of amenities. The Park and Recreation Commission will be addressing access to parks and trails (geographic's and design), as well as specifics pertaining to how the Park Dedication and Trail Fees are satisfied within the future Development Agreement. Staff is forwarding at this stage to introduce the concept early. The Developer is asking for initial feedback on the concept before starting the official review process. Chair Bennett thanked Mr. Riverblood for his report. Chair Bennett noted he is part of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for the City. He noted this plan would be key to the Park and Recreation Commission/January 12, 2017 Page 2 of 5