20220328-B5: Parkland Dedication Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B5 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Code Amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance Motioned By: Chair Dawn Lewis Seconded By: Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel Recommendation Support Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1. RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the unequivocal value that the City of Austin’s parkland and its amenities bring to our community in the areas of health, equity, environmental and economic benefits. The Board also are recognizes how much these spaces are a vital piece of Austin’s vibrancy as our parks, trails, amenities and greenspaces contribute significantly to Austin’s special beauty, lifestyle and appeal; and WHEREAS, the Board also understands that the parkland dedication ordinance fees have provided crucial funding for the acquisition of parkland and improvement of parks; Since 2007, the ordinance has provided the acquisition of over 1700 square acres of parkland, created and improved park infrastructure and amenities, reduced Austin’s park deficiency and improved park access with a focus on equity; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the positive impact of parkland dedication fees on residential and hotel developments, but is also aware that there are commercial, office and industrial developments in our community that are located in park-deficient areas and that these developments could potentially contribute; and WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution on the land development code which included a recommendation that commercial properties be included in the parkland dedication ordinance; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board supports Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. 1 of 2 Vote: Chair Dawn Lewis made a motion to recommend that Council support Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget; Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy. For: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice-Chair Richard DePalma, Board Members Nina Rinaldi, Anna Di Carlo, Patrick Moore, Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard, Kim Taylor and Laura Cottam Sajbel Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2