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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-03-16; Parks & Recreation Commission; 392-5; Larwin ParkPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL AB* ^2-S* MTG. 3-1^-^2, DEPT. V't&' TITLE: LARWIN PARK (ACTION) •* ftuktC/^* RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt Plan C, direct staff to forward the recommendation to the City Council for their consideration and to proceed with the development of Larwin Park; in addition, to direct staff to recommend to the City Council to amend the Parks and Recreation Element of the General Plan to identify additional park enhancement opportunities in the northeast quadrant. BACKGROUND: On February 25, 1991 the Commission adopted the preliminary concept plan for Larwin Park prepared by Van Dyke Associates. During the design development and park planning process, additional information was brought forward that amplified existing concerns and raised the following new issues that would effect the viability of the approved plan: • Heightened public concern and expanded scientific research into possible health hazards of EMF • Biological report identifying sensitive coastal sage and a pair of gnatcatchers • Updated grading figures (indicating quantities in conflict with the Hillside Development Ordinance) • Updated cost estimates ($3.5 million or $0.7 million over current CIP Budget) Staff presented two (2) additional plans besides the original Van Dyke concept for Commission consideration: Plan A - Original Plan (prepared by Van Dyke Associates)" Plan B - Original Plan less ballfields Plan C - Major modification (redesign alternative) These plans were presented to the Commission on August 19,1991 with a recommendation to adopt Plan C (the major modification alternative). At this August meeting the Commission and the public expressed the following: COMMISSION COMMENTS Cost concerns Traffic Ballfield replacement at another site Site inadequate for park purposes Need "PLAN D" (place for ballfields) EMF (some concerned, others not) ^ _ 30 PAGE 2, AB #_ PUBLIC COMMENT EMF issues (some concerned, others not) Additional tennis courts Tennis courts (elevation and lighting) Traffic concerns on Carlsbad Village Drive Change park name Cost Parking adequacy Add swimming pool Relocate eastern tot lot Use Lake Calavera for ballfields The Commission directed staff to return with PLAN C, addressing the issues and comments above, and with more specific information on the development of an alternative site for the ballfields. PLAN C has been refined to respond to the comments above where possible. Staff will present the features of PLAN C in detail at the meeting. ITEM EXPLANATION: Staff is returning the PLAN C (major modification concept) for further consideration by the Commission. Staff is recommending that PLAN C be approved because it appears to be the only viable alternative that will satisfy the majority of concerns. It is staffs' position that the PLAN C concept will satisfy the Growth Management park performance requirement. To mitigate the loss of the active ballfield amenities, it is recommended that the Commission direct staff to actively pursue identifying additional park acreage in the Northeast Quadrant and to revise the Park and Recreation Element accordingly. It should be noted that recently staff has met with the Northeast Quadrant development representatives to discuss options for park enhancement. We are told because of the poor economic environment, the development community can not commit to specific park land dedication at this time. However, they would be willing to discuss the idea of dedicating land in lieu of park fees in the future when they move forward with their master planning process. In addition staff has met with representatives of Carlsbad Unified School District in regards to the possible use of the future school site. It was suggested that a joint use agreement for use of the school fields is probable. However, pending development of the site, that situation is not likely to take effect for several years. _. 31 PAGE 3, AB #_ In response to the question about using the Larwin property for mitigation purposes, we have been informed that the site may not be conducive for environmental mitigation purposes. It should be noted that to get a more definitive answer more studies are needed in coordination with the wildlife agencies and the City's HMP. At the March meeting, staff will present a more detail analysis of the proposal and will be available for questions. FISCAL IMPACT: The 22-acre Larwin Park has been identified in the CIP to be constructed in fiscal year 91-92, and $2.7 million has been funded for this project. PLAN A (Original Plan) Construction 3.5 million (revised estimate) M/O $198,000/year PLAN B (Original Plan less ballfields) Eliminated from consideration PLAN C (Major Modification) Construction *1.4 -1.6 million M/O $110,000/year ^Preliminary estimates based on conceptual plans. EXHIBITS: None City of Carlsbad Municipal Project MEETING NOTICE LARWIN PARK, CITY OF CARLSBAD DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1992 TIME: 5:00 P.M. PLACE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1200 CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE (FORMERLY ELM AVENUE) PURPOSE: THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WILL BE REVIEWING SEVERAL ALTERNATIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LARWIN PARK. PUBLIC INPUT IS WELCOME. LARWIN PARK LOCATION THE PROPOSED LARWIN PARK IS A 22-ACRE SITE LOCATED GENERALLY EAST OF EL CAMINO REAL, NORTH OF CARLSBAD VILLAGE DRIVE, SOUTH OF VANCOUVER STREET AND WEST OF CONCORD STREET. ^ ^ 3 2075 Las Palmas Drive • Carlsbad, California 920O9-1519 • (619) 438-1161