PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met on June 10, 2008, at 12:01 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Horsey, and Mr. Lewis (arrived at 12:02 p.m.).
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. McGlumphy moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Parks and Recreation/Open Space Plan - Review of Active Recreation Area - State Street Senior Apartments - Senior Housing Option
In accordance with Article 5, Section 10, of the Zoning Code, all residential developments shall provide Open Space and an Active Recreation Plan, which must be reviewed by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee for a recommendation prior to consideration of the Conditional Use Site Plan by the Planning Commission. Subsection 10.7 of Article 5, Section 10, of the Zoning Code requires that all areas planned for public dedication, or cash donations provided under this section, must be submitted to and approved by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee and shall be subject to final review and approval by City Council prior to acceptance by the Planning Commission.
Members were provided details regarding the State Street Senior Apartments: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Housing Option, which is proposed to consist of 52 residential units in one apartment building situated on the east side of South State Street and north of Wyoming Avenue. The property consists of approximately 1.0729+/- acres of land, owned by Wave Enterprises, LLC.
Mrs. Melson-Williams, City Planner, advised members that upon review of the Open Space and Recreation Plan for the State Street Senior Apartments: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Housing Option, the Department of Planning and Inspections staff submitted the following comments and recommendations:
1. The Committee must provide a recommendation to determine if the proposed recreation amenities satisfy the equivalent minimum acreage requirement of 0.5 acres for Active Recreation Areas.
2. The following items should be included on the Plan to clarify the construction of the recreation area improvements and/or proposed recreation amenities. See comments as related to each recreation component (Items 3-5).
3. Gazebo – The following items are recommended as conditions of approval for the Gazebo as a recreational amenity.
a.Provide additional information on the size, material, and form of the gazebo.
b.Provide a paved path to the gazebo entrance from the sidewalk.
c.The gazebo must include seating. In additional other benches could be included on the property.
4. Recreation Room and Furnishings & Equipment for Room – The following items are recommended as conditions of approval for the Recreation Room as a recreational amenity.
a.Provide a floor plan indicating the room’s location and layout within the building.
b.Describe the types of furnishings and equipment for the room.
c.Staff recommends the room provide for areas of natural light and views to the outside with the use of larger windows in a portion of the room.
d.Consideration could also be given to outdoor access for a patio area associated with the Recreation Room. This would provide opportunities for community interaction, outdoor seating, activities like gardening (in container pots or window boxes), etc.
5. YMCA Memberships / Programming Opportunities – The following items are recommended as conditions of approval for the YMCA Membership/ Programming Opportunities as a recreational amenity.
a.Provide additional information on the type of YMCA membership, cost per membership, etc. (as there are varying levels). The membership must allow for all members of the household in the dwelling unit to participate.
b.Documentation of the arrangement with the YMCA to purchase the memberships yearly must be provided.
c.Staff recommends that the applicant be required to provide a yearly documentation of the memberships purchased in order to confirm compliance.
d.Staff recommends a series of improvements to ensure pedestrian access between the apartment building and the YMCA facility. See items 6-8.
6. Identify the location of traffic control signage such a pedestrian crossing signs, etc. An accessible route should be provided from the north side of the building to allow for travel to the YMCA facility. Staff recommends that a clearly accessible route from the east entrance to the northern sidewalk be created with the addition of sidewalk connecting near the fire hydrant (revise tree planting location.) As proposed the YMCA is an element of the active recreation plan for the residents of this apartment building. A clear, direct, and accessible sidewalk/ pedestrian link for walking between the two facilities must be provided to ensure safe pedestrian across the main vehicular access drive. The access point must also include handicapped accessible ramps; improvements may be necessary for existing sidewalks.
7. Staff recommends revisions to the entrance to the parking lot drive aisle running north – south in front of the YMCA building. At the southern intersection of this drive aisle with the main site entrance drive aisle, we recommend lengthening (extending south) the parking lot island and sidewalk on the east side to refine the entrance and provide increased pedestrian safety. As currently shown on the Plan, a pedestrian would have to cross approximately fifty-five (55) feet of open pavement (vehicle drive area) between sidewalk areas.
8. Review the type of lighting proposed. The placement of light fixtures may be necessary to ensure pedestrian connections are well lit. The placement of street light lamp posts may be more appropriate for certain areas especially in the vicinity of the gazebo.
9. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space areas 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 recreation areas/amenities (i.e. gazebo, Recreation Room, memberships); 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.
a.A note should be added to the plan indicating the responsible entity.
10. In the event, that major changes and revisions to the Conditional Use Site Plan which affect the Recreation Plan occur in the review process and finalization of the Conditional Use Site Plan resubmittal may be required for review by the Parks Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee or other agencies and commissions making recommendations in regards to the plan.
Mr. Greg Moore, Becker Morgan Group, explained the project and provided a map depicting the area. He noted the close proximity of the YMCA and explained that the tenants will be offered a membership to the YMCA. He stated that the membership will be paid by the owners regardless of the tenants desires to utilize the facilities. He also advised members that the active recreation plan proposed consists of a gazebo, recreation room, as well as the YMCA membership.
Mr. Ruane suggested that unless a legal opinion is obtained indicating that indoor recreation space can be substituted for open space, he felt that members were challenged to approve the request. Responding to the alternatives questioned by Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Melson-Williams explained that in accordance with the Dover Code, active recreation is a type of open space. Mrs. Townshend further explained that open space and recreation are not usually exclusive. In terms of the recreation area, the Dover Code does not specify that the area needs to be within open space.
Concurring with the concerns relayed by Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Horsey expressed her understanding that open space includes “green” outdoors, landscaping, etc. provided for people to enjoy nature.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Moore advised members that he is involved with the South Dover Elementary School design and desires of the Capital School District as it relates to interacting with the community. He stated that the School District considers the land as an open space area for the community. The School District does not prohibit use of the property during “off hours” as a public open space; however, this is not the case during school hours. In the redevelopment of the school, he assured members that the School District wishes to continue to be a good neighbor to the City of Dover and the neighborhood by continuing to allow use of the open spaces to be used by the community.
Mr. Ruane questioned if the owner of the State Street Senior Apartments would be amenable to making a financial contribution to the development of the school site to assist in meeting the open space requirement.
Mr. Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, suggested assurance that there is a safe path for seniors to go to and from the YMCA and questioned what the membership to the YMCA consists of for the residents. He also questioned what would happen to the agreement if the YMCA were to be relocated.
Responding, Mr. Moore explained that the membership to the YMCA is for access to and use of the facilities and that discussions regarding further details are necessary.
Noting that the concerns relayed by Mr. Carter have been outlined in staff’s report, Mr. Ruane questioned if the owners are in agreement with these comments or if they would not be able to address any of the recommendations. Responding, Mr. Moore stated that there were no objections to staff’s report.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend acceptance of staff’s recommendations #2-#10 for the active recreation area for the State Street Senior Apartments - Senior Housing Option. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that staff reword recommendation #1 to include that the applicant was amenable to establishing a relationship with the Capital School District regarding the possibility of a financial contribution to allow for use of their open space in lieu of providing open space at the apartment site; without this effort being made and satisfied, the committee does not feel that the plans meet the requirement of Section 24.61. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
At the request of staff and there being no objections, agenda item #3 - 2008 Comprehensive Plan Review was considered prior to agenda item #2 - Formation of Youth Council.
2008 Comprehensive Plan Review
During their meeting of May 13, 2008, members began their review of the update on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, provided members with Chapter 10 - Economic Development, of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update for their review.
Although he felt that there has been much improvement, Mr. Ruane suggested that additional supporting data and benchmarks be included. He also suggested that the report include reference to sustainable growth, and expand on the City’s economic forecast. He felt that the plan should include the plans for an anchor library, since it has an economic and planning component that will strengthen the downtown area.
Mr. Ruane suggested that events should be referenced in the plan and felt that the plan should include further explanation for tax increment financing as well as a full explanation of economic development financing. He stated that staff should include reference to land assembly and development, infrastructure improvements, work force training and programs, etc.
Mr. DePrima suggested that an “issues” section be included in the plan.
Mr. Ruane stated his reluctance for approving the creation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District; however, he agreed with the possibility of exploring the feasibility of creating a TIF District. It was also his opinion that Dover Air Force Base needs to be a strategic goal and included in this Section of the Plan.
Formation of Youth Advisory Committee
Members were provided a proposed Resolution establishing a Youth Advisory Committee as well as a sample Youth Advisory Committee Membership Application. Mrs. Russell advised members that during their Regular Meeting of July 23, 2007, Council approved the formation of a Youth Advisory Committee. Members of Council believe it would be beneficial to both the City and its youth to establish a Youth Advisory Committee for the purpose of providing opportunities for the youth to lead and plan recreation and community service activities, with emphasis on youth development. The role of the Youth Advisory Committee is to foster increased involvement of youth in the affairs of the municipal government. The responsibilities of the Youth Advisory Committee are to:
•Review problems, issues, activities and concerns of youth, especially as they relate to municipal programs and projects of the City of Dover;
•Hold forums on health, safety, recreation, employment and school issues and concerns of youth;
•Make recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Department regarding the planning and implementation of the programs.
Upon Council approval, Mrs. Russell noted that the schools would be contacted regarding the distribution of the applications.
Referring to lines 8-14 of the proposed Resolution, Mr. Ruane questioned the intent of the “one liaison member” (line 9), noting that many committees include a Council liaison member who reports back to Council regarding the actions of the committee. However, considering the requirements of the liaison member as suggested in this section of the proposed Resolution, he questioned its intent.
Mrs. Russell indicated that she will meet with staff to determine the intent of the paragraph. (City Clerk’s Office Note: The liaison member referenced in line 9 of the proposed resolution was intended to be filled by City staff who would serve to assist the committee as specified in lines 11-14. Since the committee will serve as an advisory body authorized to make recommendations to City Council and the committee is required to submit a written report to Council annually, there is no requirement for a Council liaison member).
Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend adoption of the Resolution establishing a Youth Advisory Committee (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Updates
Members were provided the following updates:
Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update
Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, indicated that Mr. David Athey, URS Corporation, has submitted a final study which he has received in electronic format. He anticipates an informational meeting of the Puncheon Run Watershed Study will be scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2008 and questioned if it should be a daytime or evening meeting.
Responding, Mr. Ruane suggested that if this is an informational meeting for area residents, it should be scheduled for late afternoon or evening (5:00 p.m or 7:00 p.m.).
Update - CDBG Program
Members were provided the status report on the FY 2007 Program Funds Spent for the CDBG Program. Mrs. Harvey, Community Development Director, indicated that the waiting list for the home ownership rehabilitation program will open on June 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. She stated that the first 20 applications will be accepted at this time.
Planning and Funding for New Library
Mr. Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed the update provided to members regarding the planning and funding for the new library.
Mr. Carter distributed an e-mail he received originated by the Director/State Librarian for the Delaware Division of Libraries (Attachment #2) regarding a proposed amendment to 29 Del. C. Ch. 664, §6603A. He advised members that the amendment proposes epilogue language for construction projects and that the purpose of the amendment is to improve the cycle of fundraising to encourage and enable libraries to raise and invest the local match first before State funds are allocated. He explained the importance of the amendment and staff’s plan to meet with local legislators to obtain their support.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend support of the request and to authorize the City Manager, Mr. Carter, Mayor, etc., to communicate their support for the amendment to the legislators. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Update - Skate Park Committee
There was no further update provided from the Skate Park Committee.
Mr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:32 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sophia R. Russell
Chairwoman
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Resolution Establishing Youth Advisory Committee
Attachment #2 - E-Mail from Director/State Librarian for the Delaware Division of Libraries - Proposed Amendment to 29 Del. C. Ch. 664, §6603A