OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Parks and Recreation Open Space Committee met on April 2, 1998 at 3:30 p.m. with Chairwoman Malone presiding. Members present were Councilman Truitt and Mrs. Maxted. Councilman Carey was absent. Others present were Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Carter, Mr. DePrima, Councilman Leary and Mrs. Boaman.

Open Space - Westminster Village

Westminster Village is a large senior housing complex located on the southeasterly corner of College and McKee Roads. The 24 acre site currently contains a nursing home, a community center, three apartment buildings for senior citizens, 60 duplex units, and a maintenance building. This complex provides a range of housing, dining and support services for senior citizens.

The proposal represents a large scale expansion of the complex, with three new buildings planned. A proposed “link building” of 20,000 sq. ft. will link the existing nursing home with the existing community center. The construction of a 48,854 sq. ft. assisted living facility is also planned. The third component of the plan is the construction of an 18 unit apartment building for senior citizens.

Mr. DePrima explained that the developers are seeking approval in accordance with the new “Planned Neighborhood Design Senior Housing Option” ordinance. The project will be required to meet age oriented recreation activities standards in accordance with the ordinance.

Mr. Mike Dill, representing BM2OR, and Mr. Robert Kratz, Executive Director of Westminister Village, were present to explain their proposal for open space for Westminster Village. He explained that they plan the following improvements:

 •    Install new sidewalks and paths that lead to the private open space in the center of community

            •    Install a horseshoe pit

            •    Build a putting green

            •    Build a “raised” vegetable/flower garden that can also be used by persons in wheelchairs

            •    Install bench swings and benches around the assisted living facility

            •    Install picnic tables

Mr. Kratz stated that they plan to eventually have small shops such as a gift shop, small bank and a convenience store. This will provide, on a small scale, everything that their residents need without requiring them to leave the facility. This will be very helpful to those that no longer drive or find it difficult to travel.

Mr. Dill displayed a plan of the area which outlined the site, the proposed open space area and proposed park equipment. He explained that in accordance with City Code, Westminster Village is required to provide 2.26 acres for the entire development. Their proposal for open space totals 2.29 acres, which slightly exceeds the requirement.

Mrs. Maxted moved to accept the proposal for open space at Westminster Village as presented, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

Lands of John Hunn Brown

The proposed subdivision consists of approximately 122 acres of land situated northeast of the intersection of U.S. Route 13 and S. Little Creek Road, and has frontage on North and South Little Creek Roads. The plan proposes a mixed use residential neighborhood containing 148 single family homes, 221 townhouses and 116 duplexes. These homes will be attractive to first time home buyers and senior citizens.

Mr. Mike Petit de Mange, representing Landmark Engineering, introduced Mr. Robert Burns, of Grady Incorporated, and Dennis Lemley of Pultee Construction, the potential builder for the project.

As a Planned Residential Development Neighborhood design, the developer is required to provide 25% total open space area, and approximately 3.3 acres in active open space. For the John Hunn Brown Subdivision, the 25% requirement equates to approximately 33 acres of open space. They are proposing total open space of 33.8 acres. In the active open space, they are proposing a total of approximately 10 acres, of which seven acres is located in one parcel. The large area will accommodate up to 65 children at any given time. An open pavilion, picnic tables and benches will be located throughout the parcel. A basketball court is also planned for this site. The remainder of active open space is a small tot lot, which will contain appropriate age play equipment, such as swings, sliding board, climber and play bus. A complete listing of all recreational equipment, valued at $124,065, is attached.

Mrs. Maxted stated that she appreciates that the developers chose to have a very large parcel of open space. It makes the park open to many different types of uses.

Mr. Zack Carter, Recreation Director, explained that the developers are proposing that the open space be dedicated to the City of Dover. Typically, the open space is private and is maintained by the developer and/or homeowner’s association. However, since the parcel is very large and the City has limited public parks on the east side of Dover, staff has no objections to this park being added to our public parks, with the City assuming maintenance responsibility. Mr. Petit de Mange explained that the developers would make the initial improvements, including all park equipment, and the City would then assume maintenance.

Referring to the submitted list, Mr. O’Connor stated that “Alternate A” calls for the use of asphalt. It is his recommendation that Alternate A not be used and that concrete be used as shown in the main list of park equipment.

Mrs. Maxted moved to accept the proposal for public open space for the lands of John Hunn Brown as presented, stipulating that concrete be used and that “Alternate A” (use of asphalt) be deleted from the proposal. The motion was seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 4:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Holly L. Malone

Chairwoman

HLM/DJB