The Community and Economic Development Committee met 07/26/2023. One of the items they took up was Resolution 8-R-23 which would create the Appleton Conservancy Park in Southpoint Commerce Park and would dedicate city-owned land in Southpoint Commerce Park for parkland, trailhead, and trail.
Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland (District 5), the author of the resolution, believed that the creation of this park would “right a very big wrong which is that my district does not have a community park within the mile to two miles zone that is typical for the rest of the city.” The park was intended to be a passive park with amenities like cross country skiing and unpaved trails. After brief discussion, they committee voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
I’ve prepared a transcript of the discussion for download.
The item was discussed and voted on by the Parks and Recreation Committee on 07/24/2023. The committee voted unanimously to approve it, but Alderperson William Siebers (District 1) did warn about the rising cost of Parks and Recreation staff associated with increasing the city’s park system.
The City Plan Commission also took the item up and approved it unanimously without any discussion.
The Community and Economic Development Committee did discuss it. Alderperson Israel Del Toro (District 4) asked how much of the area covered by the resolution was wetland. Alderperson Van Zeeland answered, “It’s my understanding that most of it is wetland, at least as far as buildable purposes, that there’s nothing buildable in that area. But I didn’t ask for a specific percentage.”
Alderperson Del Toro said that wetlands are notorious for having rare and endangered species. He wanted to know if there had been any contact with the DNR about this or if a biodiversity assessment had been conducted on the property. He wanted to make sure that protections were in place should species of concern be encountered.
Alderperson Van Zeeland said that they had not had a specific DNR assessment conducted, but they did have retired DNR warden Dick Nikolai come out and go over the property, and Mr. Nikolai was supportive of the creation of the Conservancy.
Alderperson Van Zeeland reiterated that it was intended to be a passive park, and the city was not looking to build anything except a small trailhead area. She was sure the city would be willing to follow any laws regarding endangered species.
Alderperson Denise Fenton (District 6) noted that the proposed park was located within the newly created TIF 13. That TIF was created specifically to help fund infrastructure improvements within the park, and she wanted to know if any of the TIF funding could be used to develop the trail and park improvements.
Community and Economic Development Deputy Director David Kress responded that when the TIF was created they had anticipated the likely use of that space for recreational purposes and that as increment is generated within TIF 13, some of that money could be used to fund improvements for the trailhead or trail system.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend the resolution for approval.
View full meeting details and video here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1105923&GUID=EFD388ED-F309-4247-9B04-9EA571D3BDC6
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