PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on July 11, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Councilwoman Russell presiding in the absence of Chairman Ruane. Members present were Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Horsey. Mr. McGlumphy was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lewis moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
DoveView Senior Apartments: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Housing Option
During their meeting of June 13, 2006, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee reviewed the Active Recreation Area Plan for the DoveView Senior Apartments: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Housing Option. Since the Plan relied on the inclusion of the stormwater management pond to meet the active recreation area size requirements, it was necessary that it be of a significant size to allow for water based active recreation activities, such as fishing and boating. The committee recommended approval of staff's recommendations and deferred approval of the Active Recreation Area Plan until the next meeting to allow staff time to review the revised plan and provide an analysis.
Mr. Matthew Spong, of Landscape Architectural Services, presented the revised Recreation Area Plan for the DoveView Senior Apartments (as on file in the office of the City Clerk). The proposed fishing pier was eliminated and the developer will provide a cash-in-lieu contribution for the deficit area of 32,487 square feet, as provided in Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 10 - Open space, recreation and other public facilities, Subsection 10.17 - Cash in lieu of recreation area construction, of the Dover Code. The active recreation area required for this project is 52,800 square feet and the active recreation area provided is 20,313 square feet; therefore the deficit area is 32,487 square feet. The developer still considers the wet pond to be a community amenity and will provide supplemental aeration, emergent plantings and maintenance to ensure it will not only be functional but attractive.
Project developers, Mr. Bob Ruggio and Mr.Jack Korrozi, responded to questions regarding the safety of an outside fitness center and briefed members on their plans to work in partnership with the Modern Maturity Center. Mrs. Horsey emphasized the need for additional trees around the outside fitness area.
Staff recommended approval of the revised plan and the cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction donation for the deficit area.
Mrs. Horsey moved to recommend approval Staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Zoning Text Amendment - Elimination of Single-Family conversions to Multi-Family in RG-1 Area
At the request of Mayor Speed, staff prepared an ordinance amendment to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 2 - General residence zones, that would prohibit conversion of one-family residences to multi-family residences in the RG-1 (General Residence) zone and continue to allow them as a conditional use in the RG-2 (General Residence) zone.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, City Planner, and Mr. Scott Koenig, Director of Public Services, provided members with additional information on the proposed amendment. They noted that the RG-1 zone encompasses several neighborhoods within the City, with large areas located downtown. The City is interested in encouraging home ownership within these areas and there is a concern that conversion of houses to apartments could negatively effect the character of those portions of the City. Staff noted that the amendment will aid in the homeownership initiative. Members were advised that properties that are entirely vacant for at least 12 months will be grand fathered under the proposed amendment.
Staff recommended adoption of the proposed amendment to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 2 - General residence zones.
Mr. Lewis moved to recommend adoption of the proposed amendment to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 2 - General residence zones (Attachment #1), as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update
Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, reminded members that the purpose of the Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team is to study the hydrology of the watershed, develop a storm water model, recommend regional strategies and best practices for storm water management, and recommend physical improvements to resolve flooding. He noted that URS, a national consulting firm, has been contracted to conduct the hydrology study and the developers of Eden Hill and Kesselring have agreed to contribute $15,000 each for the study. The two areas of concern are the development issue from the railroad tracks west and a development and flooding issue from the railroad tracks to the Puncheon Run box culvert on Governors Avenue. Once the information from the hydrology study has been received, a formal presentation will be made to the committee.
Mr. Koenig noted that, due to recent heavy rain fall, staff has visited the Puncheon Run stream and discovered an active beaver population, west of the railroad tracks, that has blocked the upland area of the stream.
Mr. Koenig advised members that the Action Team has not formally met and is still awaiting data from Kent Conservation District. He also noted that the Action Team is currently looking for new members who live in the area who are impacted by the Puncheon Run stream. Interested parties were urged to contact the chairman of the committee.
John W. Pitts Recreation Center Update
Mr. Zach Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, informed members that staff will be meeting with the architect to finalize the design of the new center, which include wall color and carpet selections. The bid package will be finalized in August 2006.
Library Site Selection Committee Update
Mr. Carter informed members that the State Legislature has designated $800,000 towards the building of an anchor library in Dover. The funds were allocated and approved during the recent Bond Bill hearings.
Mr. Lewis moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
EBR/hf
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Proposed Zoning Text Amendment - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations