Title
Authorizing the City Manager to execute two dedication deeds for multiple final platted, public open space lots within the Highland Park development.
Summary
The Highland Park residential subdivision was approved through an Alternative Land Use Regulation (ALUR) in 2002. Designed with a traditional neighborhood design, the development consists of varying residential lot sizes and housing types along with various public and private open space areas. Examples of public open space approved with the ALUR include the large tracts of land between Kingston Lacy Blvd. and Great Basin Ave. (previously dedicated), as well as medians within Mammoth Cave Blvd. and Craters of the Moon Blvd., all known as "greenways". Less obvious public open spaces are "traffic islands" within Walnut Canyon Blvd. as well as very small "natural areas" adjacent to lots on Portchester Castle Path as well as others. An amendment to the ALUR approved in 2007 identified approximately 122.9 acres of total public open space to be dedicated to the City, of which approximately 107.6 acres has been dedicated to date. An attached exhibit identifies all open space areas within the development and clarifies the areas that are considered public and will be dedicated to the City.
Two different dedication deeds with warranty are proposed by Continental Homes of Texas, L.P., and the Homeowner's Association, Highland Park Residential Community, Inc. for public open spaces within Phase D, Section 1; and Phase B, Sections 4, 5, 10, and 13. Together, the proposed deeds dedicate "greenways" located along Mammoth Cave Blvd. between Walnut Canyon Blvd. and Portchester Castle Path (attached exhibit numbers 23, 33-35, 46, 47), and along Craters of the Moon Blvd between the alley east of Mammoth Cave Blvd to Kingston Lacy Blvd (attached exhibit numbers 43-45, 48). "Traffic Islands" proposed for dedication are along Walnut Canyon Blvd generally between the alley east of Kingston Lacy Blvd and the alley west of Mammoth Cave Blvd (attached exhibit numbers 30-32). "Natural Areas" proposed for dedication are within Phase D, Section 1 and are located on both sides of Portchester Castle Path at Obed River Drive (attached exhibit numbers 49-50) and one lot located between Tallgrass Prairie Drive and Salt River Bay Drive along the north side of Craters of the Moon Blvd (attached exhibit number 51).
Deadline for City Council Action
N/A
Fiscal Impact
While the property is proposed to be dedicated to the City, the Homeowner's Association will provide private maintenance to all aforementioned public open space lots to ensure a consistent appearance throughout the development. As with previous dedications within the development, an improvement and maintenance agreement will be drafted for the proposed areas and reviewed and approved administratively.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
Drafter
Emily Barron, AICP
Planning Director