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will work with the developer to site the park around specimen trees in order to preserve the highest <br />quality trees. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bayer asked if there is a location within the development that would not only fit <br />with the intent to preserve high quality trees, but also connect to the trail system to allow residents <br />from other neighborhoods to access the park as well. <br /> <br />Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that there would sidewalks <br />along each street in the subdivision. He noted that the Commission could recommend a trail in <br />lieu of a sidewalk to connect to the park. He noted that type of recommendation would be helpful <br />at this point, as the desire is to provide broad direction that the developer can incorporate into their <br />sketch plan. <br /> <br />Commissioner Barten stated that if one acre or even five acres were used for park, would the <br />remaining treed area be preserved or removed. <br /> <br />Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that the area for the park <br />would typically receive Park Dedication credit. He stated that the developer also desires a zoning <br />amendment, which provides the City with additional leverage. He explained that he would want <br />to see the developer provide the land for the park without receiving Park Dedication for that. He <br />stated that instead the trees included in the park area would count towards the tree preservation <br />requirements. He noted that arrangement would allow the City to use the Park Dedication funds <br />to build a creative park. He stated that because the developer is requesting a zoning amendment, <br />there is opportunity to negotiate for things the City would desire such as preservation of the trees, <br />park land, and Park Dedication fees that could be used to build a creative park. He commented <br />that the developer could submit a sketch plan as early as August, with plans to potentially begin <br />construction in spring of 2021. <br /> <br />Chair Bennett referenced an adjacent area that could be developed in the future adjacent to the <br />Riverstone subject property and asked for input on the vision for park use in that area. <br /> <br />Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood referenced the grey area that is not <br />part of this proposal, noting that there is a public/private park desire identified within the <br />Comprehensive Plan along the river. He noted that the neighborhoods could be connected through <br />trails to allow residents to access both proposed park areas. <br /> <br />Chair Bennett stated that he would agree with the ability to preserve the largest number of trees <br />possible, focusing on the higher quality trees for the park location. He stated that perhaps the park <br />be located somewhat closer to the connection to Bowers Drive as that would provide the ability to <br />connect the different neighborhoods with trails. <br /> <br />Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood identified the areas with the higher <br />quality trees, per the tree inventory work completed thus far and his walk through of the property. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heinrich asked if there was feedback from the Bowers Drive neighborhood <br />related to a park. <br /> <br />Park and Recreation Commission / June 11, 2020 <br />Page 4 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />