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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> MEETING HELD ON MARCH 4, 1996 <br /> (#3)AC�ESS TO LOWRY WO�DS <br /> The access to Lowry Waods was discussed. Mabusth noted that the property was at this <br /> time landlocked. McMillan asked how this road (Cristofori Circle) differed from the <br /> Dickey property road. Mabusth said Countryside is a dedicated road, which has not yet <br /> been made a thru road. This road near Lowry Woods is a private road. <br /> Wilson questioned the understanding that the Commission was awaiting the sale of one <br /> more lot to gain easement an �utlot C to gain the access. Mabusth said the approval for <br /> this subdivision was made prior to Lowry Woods being obtained from the Nature <br /> Conservancy. This would rule out the ability to have gained any easement for a tra.il. <br /> Mabusth said when the City recagnized that the property was landlacked, they requested a <br /> I S' outlot easement for emergency vehicles only. This was completed prior to the <br /> acquisition of Lowry Woods. The easement was not for public use but for maintenance <br /> only allowing the City to go over the private road. Mabusth did note, however, that this <br /> does allow the City to take the road as a public road if the City so desires. It wauld have <br /> to be taken as public up to the cul-de-sac. No condemnation would b�required. Mabusth <br /> said tliere is the question to ask the attorney, if the City takes the road as public, could the <br /> access be c�ver the utility easement. Outloi A is currently a secondary sewer site, and the <br /> owner, Knapp, is not interested in giving any easement to the City. <br /> Access options were discussed. There is the possibility of obtaining a walking easement <br /> over the Oison property, which abuts Lowry Woods. The parking and safety issue would <br /> then be a consideration. Gerhardson said there was not a proper shoulder width on the <br /> road to accommodate the parking and would need to be referred to Hennepin County. <br /> White suggested taking over the corner piece of land separating the road from Lowry <br /> Woods, making the road public, and allaw parking on the Lowy Woods property. <br /> Mabusth said the issue ofthe dedicated road would need ta be referred to the City <br /> Attorney. <br /> Mabusth asked if the park parcel was for a bike/pedestrian nature area, why it was <br /> necessary to assume that a car was needed for accessing the area. The remoteness of the <br /> area was noted which would result in those coming to Lowry Woods would purposely be <br /> there. White referenced the ADA requirements of providing access to all. <br /> It was suggested that a Commission member, Vt�ilson, �vili speak with Knapp in acquiring <br /> an easement to the property. The Commission was not in favor of condemnation. <br /> Ilse noted the Council's questioning of the need to have an access as Lowry Woods was <br /> for open space preservation. Gerhardson said the Commission should provide the <br /> documentation reminding the Cauncil of the stipulations for the�and use. <br /> 3 <br />