Dean’s Country Manor preliminary plan would add 253 homes, roundabout and trails; commission seeks stronger trail connectivity
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Summary
City planner presented the Dean’s Country Manor preliminary plan — about 91 acres, 253 single-family homes, roughly 8 acres of retail/commercial and a roughly 3-acre land donation toward Area 21 — and commissioners recommended wider neighborhood trails, garden gazebos and on-site amenities to improve walkability toward Area 21.
John, the city planner, presented the Dean’s Country Manor (DCM) concept at the March 4 Parks Commission meeting, describing a mixed residential and commercial proposal that would include trails, sidewalks and a roundabout at Fernbrook and 114th.
Why it matters: the project would add 253 single-family homes and a commercial parcel and would generate park and trail fees the planner estimated at about $1.8 million; staff said 75% of those fees are intended to be spent within the Area 21 planning area. The commission focused feedback on ensuring safe, direct trail connections from the project’s southern neighborhoods to nearby parks and the Area 21 open space, and on placing benches, trash receptacles and other small amenities at project nodes.
Key details from the presentation: John said the DCM project covers about 91 acres and includes “253 single family homes and 8 acres of commercial and retail.” He added that the developer plans to install a roundabout at Fernbrook and 114th as part of their public-benefit commitments.
Commissioners asked staff and the applicant to consider: converting narrow sidewalks into slightly wider “neighborhood” trails where the route will carry strollers and bikes; adding gazebo features near water bodies to create small gathering places; and placing trash/recycling bins and benches in first phases to prevent later maintenance gaps. One commissioner suggested making the southern connector trail a wider, more arterial trail to help young families reach the park without crossing busy streets.
Timing: staff said the application is under preliminary plat review and will go to the planning commission on Thursday, then to City Council in late March or early April.
Ending: commissioners recommended the applicant consider wider, off-road trail segments, small-scale amenities (benches, bins, gazebos) and improved pedestrian linkages to Area 21; staff will forward these comments to planning staff and the applicant ahead of the planning commission review.