City of Dover, Delaware - Regular Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting

Regular Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting

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Jun 13, 2006 at 12:00 AM

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on June 13, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Lewis, and Mrs. Horsey. Mayor Speed was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. McGlumphy moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.

Parks and Recreation/Open Space Plans - Review of Active Recreation Areas - DoveView Senior Apartments: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Housing Option

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.

During their meeting of February 9, 2004, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee reviewed and recommended approval of the Active Recreation Area for Fountainview Senior Apartments. The plan included one (1) pavilion, four (4) picnic tables, eight (8) benches, two (2) grills, one (1) trash receptacle and a shuffleboard court. The stormwater pond was also incorporated into active recreation area with landscaping and by having a two horsepower floating aerator pump (with light) and various water plants; a walking path was also to be constructed around the pond. The Planning Commission granted conditional approval of the plan on February 17, 2004. This Conditional Use Plan is a resubmittal of the Fountainview Senior Citizen Housing Option plan that was originally approved by the Planning Commission. During the check print process, significant changes were made to the plan requiring resubmission to the Planning Commission. The changes are a reduction from five (5) apartment buildings to four (4) and changes in the recreational and open space plan. The total number of apartment units remains at 192 units and the name of the project has changed from Fountainview to DoveView.

DoveView Senior Apartments consists of approximately 6.735^+/- acres of land, situated on the north side of Forrest Street west of Saulsbury Road. Mr. Matthew T. Spong of Landscape Architectural Services presented a revised recreation plan for the DoveView Senior Apartments (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk) which requires 1.212^+/- acres of active open space. The plan proposes a pavilion with two (2) picnic tables on the north side of the stormwater pond within the complex. There are four (4) benches that surround the stormwater management pond located at the center of the site. A smaller area was identified on the northeast corner of the property with two (2) shuffleboard courts, two (2) picnic tables, two (2) grills and a trash receptacle. A winding walking path is provided around the stormwater management pond. In December 2004, subsequent to the approval of the Fountainview project, an interpretation of the City of Dover Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 Section 10.13, determined that stormwater management ponds can no longer be considered as a part of the required active recreation area unless the pond is of a significant size to allow for water based active recreation activities, such as fishing and boating. The plan for DoveView relies on the inclusion of the stormwater management pond to meet the active recreation area size requirements.

Staff noted that Article 5 Section 10.17 of the Zoning Ordinance provides for a cash-in-lieu of active recreation area donation in lieu of a portion of the required active recreation area. This may be an option for the applicant if the plan does not meet the requirements for the active recreation area.

Mr. Spong advised members that the pond would be approximately four (4) feet deep with an aeration fountain adequate to support fish. The proposed community is not designated as an assisted living community and all of the appropriate safety measures will be placed around the storm water pond. The developers will be responsible for maintaining the pond until the homeowner’s association is able to assume maintenance. The pond now meets all of the State of Delaware’s Storm Water Management requirements.

Staff made the following comments and recommendations:

1. The acreage and square footage of the proposed active recreation areas (pavilion, shuffleboard court and developed walking path) needs to be identified on the plan.

2. Provide a pedestrian link to the properties to the east.

3. Staff recommended approval of the shuffleboard courts, pavilion picnic area and developed area of the walking path components as active recreation areas.

4. The stormwater management pond is recognized as an area of open space; however, as per the previous interpretation, it does not meet the requirements for the pond to be considered an active recreation area.

5. The applicant should look into making a cash-in-lieu of Active Recreation Area, for a portion of the required active recreation area. This will require submittal of appraisal information for calculation of the amount in accordance with Article 5 Section 10.17.

6. The applicant should be aware of the following requirements for payment of the cash in lieu of Recreation Area Construction as associated with the development of the residential units:

Article 5 §10.175 Payment of Cash Donation. One hundred (100) percent cash donation provided under this section shall be collected prior to issuing the first building permit for the development.

7. The applicant is reminded of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation area as associated with the development of the residential units, as follows:

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.

8. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space land shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained. 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 the common open space.

Mrs. Russell moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendations and to defer approval until the next meeting to allow staff time to review the revised plan and provide an analysis. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Parks and Recreation/Open Space Plans - Review of Active Recreation Areas - Silver Lake Townhouses on the West Side of Silver Lake Boulevard (Lands of Silver Lake Properties LLC)

Silver Lake Townhouses consists of approximately 9.33^+/- acres of land, situated on the west side of Silver Lake Boulevard, north of Walker Road. Mr. Garth Jones, Becker Morgan Group, presented the Active Recreation Plan for Silver Lake Townhouses (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk), which requires one-half (.50) acres of active recreation space. The plan proposes a gazebo with four (4) benches, a picnic table and two (2) grill areas that surround the gazebo on the south side of the property. An asphalt walking path leads from the townhouses back to the gazebo and connects to Silver Lake Boulevard. The Active Recreation Area is located to the east of the stormwater management pond, just west of Silver Lake Boulevard and totals .58 acres. The area of the stormwater management pond is not counted towards the Active Recreation Area requirement. The pond is a part of the overall open space of the project.

Staff has a concern with the sidewalk access to the Active Recreation Area from Silver Lake Boulevard. The plan identifies a fence along Silver Lake Boulevard that would limit the access to the walking path. A gate or removal of the fence in that area needs to be made to allow access from Silver Lake Boulevard to the Active Recreation Area. The plan also shows a tree directly over the walking path. The tree or the walking path will need to be relocated to allow for access.

Mrs. Horsey stated that she would like to see the pond in a less rectangular shape in the final drawings.

Staff recommended approval of the Active Recreation Plan with the following:

1. The project name must be changed. Silver Lake Townhouses is the name of the existing community on the east side of Silver Lake Boulevard. This project does not appear to be an expansion of the community.

2. Staff recommends revisions to the plan to provide for the connection of the walking path to the sidewalk on Silver Lake Boulevard. This may include a gate or an open area in the fence line or the relocation of the tree or walking path that is over the walking path.

3. Staff recommends approval of the gazebo, picnic area, grills areas, benches and walking path components as active recreation areas.

4. The applicant is reminded of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation area as associated with the development of the residential units.

5. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space land shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained. 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 the common open space.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.

Eden Hill Farm: Traditional Neighborhood Design - Residential District

Eden Hill Farm: Traditional Neighborhood Design - Residential District consists of approximately 109.2049^+/- acres of land proposed for subdivision to permit 665 residential units, open space areas, community center, and street layout, located on the south side of West North Street and west of the railroad corridor and West Street. Mr. Greg Moore, Becker Morgan Group, presented the Active Recreation Plan for Silver Lake Townhouses (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk), which requires 4.1^+/- acres (182,875 S.F.) of open space designed to function as active recreation space. The plan exceeds the minimum of 25% open space for a Traditional Neighborhood Design development by creating a community walking trail area, parks, and greens throughout the site and a large open space/park area in the southwest portion of the site. The existing historic house of Eden Hill Farm and its tree alleys (entrance drives) are preserved within a large public open space area.

Mr. Moore noted that the majority of the cost of this project will be spent on the Community Center located in the central part of the development. Due to the size the proposed community, Mr. Moore detailed the plans to widen existing roadways. He also advised members that a Memorandum of Understanding was received from DelDOT stating their commitment to the West Dover Connector and other projects to help with the influx of traffic in the area. The City of Dover has also agreed to make the necessary improvements to Clarence Street. Mr. Moore stated that once the internal street system is complete, it is hoped that the State will dedicate them to the City of Dover.

Mr. Moore advised members that the time line for completion of this project is between five (5) and ten (10) years. The developer will be responsible for the maintenance of the lawns, parks, community center, and other open space until the complex is approximately 75% sold, then the homeowner’s association will assume the maintenance duties, with each homeowner paying approximately $465 yearly to the association.

Mrs. Horsey requested that prior to the final plans being finished that the shape of the ponds be revised so they will be less rectangular.

Staff recommended approval of the Traditional Neighborhood Design Implementation Plan - Residential District – Active Recreation Plan with the following:

1. Staff recommends approval of the Community Center Building with pool facility; the series of 12 park spaces with play equipment, benches, picnic and game tables; and walking trail system components as of the Recreation Areas and Open Space for the Residential District of the Eden Hill Farm TND. The project presents a variety of park areas with varying amenities throughout the development.

2. The applicant is reminded of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation area as associated with the development of the residential units.

3. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space land shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained. 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 the common open space.

Mrs. Russell moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update

Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, City Planner, advised members that the data from the Kent Conservation District had not yet been submitted and the timeline for the project has not been reviewed. She noted that more information should be available prior to the next meeting. Mr. Greg Moore stated that the developers have agreed to contribute $16,000 each to the engineering firm retained to conduct the Puncheon Run Watershed Study.

John W. Pitts Recreation Center Update

Mr. Zach Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the status of the proposed recreation center. He advised members that the Planning Commission approved the plans for the recreation center on June 5, 2006. Construction documents are expected by September and construction may begin as early as October 2006. Mr. Carter noted that the layout has been modified and now totals 19,646 square feet of useable space. The proposed geo-thermal heating element has been removed from the plans due to the recent departure of the Electric Department Director.

Responding to Mrs. Horsey, Mr. Carter noted that the lands to the south of the proposed recreation center could be considered for expansion or additional amenities. Mr. Carter advised members that the second payment has been received from Dover Downs in the amount of $25,000.

Library Site Search Committee

Ms. Sheila Anderson, Director of the Dover Public Library, informed the Committee that there is currently $685,000 in the Library Reserve Fund. Ms. Anderson stated that she will be attending the Kent County Library Advisory Meeting on June 19, 2006 to present the recommendations of the Library Site Selection Committee. Mayor Speed reiterated the importance using the term “partnership” when meeting with representatives of Kent County. Mr. Zach Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, indicated that the current cost estimate for the proposed library is based on the projected cost for construction to begin in 2010. He noted that the estimate does not include the purchase price or operational costs.

Mr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:21 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Eugene B. Ruane

Chairman

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