6.0. PRSR 08-18-1994 ITEM NO. 6
(Pity of MEMORANDUM
� •Elk �� River TO: PARK AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING
AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: AUGUST 16, 1994
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF PARK LAND ON
SHIELY PROPERTY
The Shiely Company is proposing to dedicate approximately 50 acres of land
to the City for park purposes in lieu of some portion of their future park
dedication fees. If the City were to accept Shiely's offer, the details would be
worked out by staff. Staff is strongly recommending that the City accept the
property offered by Shiely for the following reasons:
1. The dry oak forest proposed to be dedicated as park by the
411 Shiely Company (a map will be provided at the meeting) is
classified as "Threatened" by the Department of Natural
Resources. In the letter dated June 16, 1994, (regarding the
final environmental impact statement on gravel mining), the
DNR strongly encouraged the use of the Master Park Plan
process to ensure the development of a balanced landscape,
which would provide parks or natural areas as well as
opportunities for commercial or residential development. The
site in question was specifically referenced.
2. The land Shiely is offering to dedicate as park is a logical
extension of Woodland Trails. If this land was bought on the
open market, it would be extremely expensive. Because of its
natural beauty, it would be a prime location for a housing
development. Opportunities such as this one are rare.
3. Shiely currently owns approximately 938 acres. Depending on
the deal that is struck, the 50 acres would satisfy park
dedication for no more than 500 acres. Enough additional park
dedication can be required on the remainder of Shiely's property
to satisfy neighborhood parks, even if Shiely's property would be
• situated in the sewer and water district in the future.
P.O. Box 490 • 13065 Orono Parkway • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
Park Land Page 2
Continued
• Mike Niziolek, who has researched this area thoroughly, will be at Thursday
night's meeting showing a proposed boundary of the 50 acres that
encompasses the majority of the old growth oaks.
It may be possible to negotiate an agreement with Shiely Company for
additional land in this area. Other land could accommodate an east/west
trail corridor to Proctor Avenue from Woodland Trails. Although dedicating
property as park cannot be made a stipulation of approval of Shiely's
Conditional Use Permit, it may be logical to incorporate any agreements
reached into the language of the Conditional Use Permit.
•
•
PR-6/BZ