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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 <br /> E. HIGHWAY 12 PARK/TRAIL PR(?POSAL TO MNlDOT <br /> It was concluded that this subject would be considered by the entire Commission <br /> at the present time. <br /> A discussion was held concerning the possibility of unused portions of property <br /> that may be candemned when the highway is reconstructed. McDermott <br /> suggested these portions could be used for parks. Flint said he thought the <br /> highway department would only take that portion needed and pay severance <br /> damage far the rest. McDermott said he thought the highway department wauld <br /> purchase entire parcels and resell the unused pnrtions. It was noted that relocation <br /> of homes was only rarely done. <br /> Flint said he would inquire if more than the right-of-way can be taken in such <br /> cases before the next meeting. White said the cost can be prohibitive. Flint <br /> explained that if the highway department comes up to your property line only, <br /> there is na recaurse on the part of the property owner. If some of the property <br /> awner's land is taken, then severance damages are usually paid but it may be <br /> better from a financial standpoint ta take the whole parcel and resell a portion of it. <br /> McDermott suggested that in such cases, the excess land be considered for park <br /> and open space purposes. Flint agreed that this would be a possibility. <br /> The following requests were identified for communication to the City Council and <br /> Mi�/DOT: <br /> 1} Review adjacent or affected parcels for development as community play fields <br /> or neighborhood parks. Gerhardson said the City would need to determine if <br /> pedestrian access would be allowed to adjacent parcels. <br /> 2) TraiUlinear park along right-of-way. Flint suggested asking for trails in wildlife <br /> areas. White cited examples of wildtife corridors being created along CoRd 18 in <br /> Bloomingtan. <br /> 3) Pedestrian access across highway. Over or under passes to reconnect the <br /> cammunity. Beal asked if a trail ne�to a highway was a good idea. McDermott <br /> commented that it would be better than not having one and noted that the collector <br /> streets would become busier from the highway improv�ments. White passed out <br /> information from the Met Council on regianal growth and how it corresponds to <br /> the philosophy in Orono of maintaining open spaces. <br /> 4) Refaresting of areas. White noted the 2-for-1 replacement rule. Flint also <br /> noted that wetlands are protected by mitigation. <br /> 6 <br />