Agenda - Council - 11/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Is the proposed Lake Itasca Greenwav lust a way to accommodate greater densities by justifying a Planned Unit Development.? No. This trail route along the linear wetland has been identified for decades as part of the Master Park and Trail Plan, which is included within the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan. Accepting the land from the Developer for the proposed trail makes sense, but the wetland, isn't it already protected from development? Wetlands have certain protections from filling, but through permitting may be impacted or replaced elsewhere. If the City were to acquire the wetland, the ecosystem is assured to remain intact and contiguous. Further, if in the public domain, the City with other conservation partners, can enhance the functioning and diversity of the wetland's plant community which would benefit pollinators and many other organisms. Can't the City just wait for development north of Bunker Lake Boulevard, and obtain the desired Lake Itasca Greenwav at that time? Park Dedication has already been satisfied for the area between Bunker Lake Boulevard and the wetland area for a certain zoning and land use. If future development is the same as this zoning designation, or the land use is of lessor intensity, the greenway could not be taken through the Park Dedication process of the subdivision of land. Further, Park Dedication is only 'triggered' when land is subdivided — if the land is sold and built on without subdividing, the City cannot require certain development fees nor land dedication. Another aspect of 'holding -out' for a possible greenway acquisition through the Park Dedication process, is that the land north of Bunker Lake Boulevard may be developed in increments, and not all future owners may be willing to concede to land dedication, versus a cash payment to satisfy Park Dedication (if any would be due). Lastly, there is no known subdivision plans at this time for the area north of Bunker Lake Blvd. The area could remain in its existing conditions without the ability for the City to begin constructing the trail element of the Lake Itasca Greenway for years, conceivably a decade or more.