06-24-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Council Action continued page 2 of 3 June 19, 1996 Saga Hill Park Land Acquisition The advantage of the conservation easement is that the Land Trust, the Saga Neighborhood, and the city would be assured that this property would remain essentially in its current condition in perpetuity. The disadvantage is that it eliminates any potential for using the propertv’ to meet changing recreational needs, i.e. A skating rink, a play field or ball field, or play equipment. The issue for the Council to consider is whether it will accept permar mt restrictions on the type of recreational uses for which the property can be used. In reviewing the property in terms of topography and natural features, it appears that a significant portion would be difficult to develop for recreational uses and should be protected from development. This includes the easterly four parcels (lots 58, 60, 61, and 62), the northeast portion of lot 91, and the eastern 1/2 of lot 92. Without suggesting that a more active use should or would be developed in this area; one scenario for a more active use, such as a play field or ball field, would be to construct the ball field mainly on the 9 acre tax forfeit parcel, and potentially also including the westerly portions of lots 91 and 92. Also, if vehicular access was to be provided to the play field, a parking lot would be needed. Without any additional property acquisition, it appears that vehicular access would be provided on the Garden Lane right-of-way to the southerly portion of lot 91 on which a parking lot would be constructed. If this scenario has any possibility of happening at some point in the future, the city should preserve its rights to enable this to occur. Staff Recommendation Concerning the Conservation Easement It is staff’s recommendation that the opportunity to develop a more active recreational use on a portion of the 9 acre tax forfeit parcel should be preserved. Doing so does have a potential impact on lot 91 of the Bank property, in that a parking lot constructed on lot 91 would best serve vehicular access to a more active use using the Garden Lane right-of-way. Staff recommends that, at minimum, the city maintain the right to construct a parking lot and a portion of a ball field on lot 91. Environmental Review Staff recommends a phase 1 environmental review of the property to provide an indication of whether the site contains any hazardous materials. Miscellaneous Costs A. B. The Saga Hill group has requested the city pay the cost of the updated appraisal that was needed for the grant application. Cost: $1,500.00 The Minnesota Land Trust has requested the city make a contribution to the Land Trust in the amount of $2,500 to acknowledge the work of the Land Trust on this project, as well as its continuing work U preserve open space in Orono and throughout the state.