PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on April 26, 2005, at 12:03 p.m. with Chairman Pitts presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Truitt. Mr. Anderson was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Open Space/Recreation Plan - Chestnut Grove Farms
In accordance with Article 5, Section 10, Subsection 10.16 of the Zoning Code, all residential developments shall provide recreational areas in a size equal to 275 square feet per dwelling unit, or one-half acre of land, whichever is greater. However, in no case shall the City require more than 10% of the gross area of the development be so dedicated or reserved when the gross area is greater than five (5) acres. Chestnut Grove Farms consists of approximately 50.86+/- acres of land, situated on the south side of Chestnut Grove Road, west of Sweetgum Drive. Based on the number of dwelling units proposed (189), this subdivision requires 1.19+/- acres of land for active open space.
Ms. Dawn Melson of the Planning and Inspections Department presented the Active Recreation Plan for Chestnut Grove Farms, which proposes a total of two (2) recreation areas, all directly adjacent to the street or sidewalk. Included are a modular play system, walking path, welcome/safety sign, access ramp, and benches. The total investment for the above-mentioned items is $55,000.
Staff recommended approval of the Open Space/Recreation Plan with the following:
1. Changing the surface material of the Area 1 walking path to play structure to a hard surface material (i.e. concrete or bituminous).
2. Provide a hard surface path to access the first bench near the path west of the play structure in Area 1.
3. Consider relocation of several of the benches or proposed tree plantings in the vicinity of the play structure to achieve placement of benches within shady areas.
4. Provide construction details for the walking path construction.
5. The open lawn areas should be established and maintained in conditions suitable for recreation and pedestrian use. These areas should be appropriately graded and seeded with turf grasses as necessary.
6. The applicant should be aware of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation area as associated with the development of the residential units.
Article 5 §10.6 Construction Phasing. The recreation and open space areas shall be completed in a proportion equal to or greater than the proportion of residential dwelling units completed, except that one hundred (100) percent of the recreation and open space areas shall be completed prior to issuing building permits for the final twenty (20) percent of the dwelling units proposed. Building permits shall not be issued for dwelling units unless the requirements of this section are met.
7. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space land, including the active recreation areas, shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained. These provisions shall be in a form acceptable to the City of Dover. The developer shall either retain ownership and responsibility for maintenance of such open land; or provide for and establish one (1) or more organizations for the ownership and maintenance of all common open space, i.e. a Homeowners Association. The organization shall be responsible for maintenance, insurance, and taxes on common open space and recreation facilities.
Mr. Tom Burns, representing the applicant, stated that they were in complete agreement with all of staff’s recommendations. He also noted that staff provided them with excellent guidance prior to their submission.
Mr. Hogan suggested realigning the bottom portion of the walking path near lot 66 in order to provide more open space in the area and to make it more accessible. Mr. Greg Scott of Scott Engineering stated that, although he intended to provide sufficient distance between the walking path and the houses, he could realign the walkway as suggested.
Mr. Ruane re-emphasized that according to Article 5, Section 10.6 - Construction Phasing, the recreation and open space areas shall be completed in a proportion equal to or greater than the proportion of residential dwelling units completed, except that one hundred (100) percent of the recreation and open space areas shall be completed prior to issuing building permits for the final twenty (20) percent of the dwelling units proposed. Mr. DePrima advised members that he has received complaints from citizens who did not realize that the play areas were to be owned by the homeowners until after they purchased their properties. He suggested that the developer install signage during the construction phase indicating that the open space and recreation areas would be maintained by a homeowner’s association. Mr. Burns stated that he would include that information when marketing the development.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend approval of the Open Space/Recreation Plan for Chestnut Grove Farms, with the understanding that the applicant will incorporate the changes verbalized by the committee, as well as the staff recommendations contained in the report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hogan and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hogan moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 12:28 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
John W. Pitts
Chairman
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