Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council to revisit Wallen Ridge property; staff to provide maps and dimensions
Summary
Council discussed a proposal to divide the undeveloped Wallen Ridge tract—commercial at the front and residential in back—and to convert part of the parcel to a community park; council asked staff to return with parcel dimensions, retention-pond size and access options at the next meeting.
Keene City Council discussed a proposal to convert part of the undeveloped Wallen Ridge property into a community park and to reserve the front portion for commercial use. The council agreed to place the matter on a future agenda and asked staff to provide survey dimensions, maps and details on access and easements.
A council member who originated the idea asked whether dividing the tract to create a park behind commercial frontage would be viable. A staff member said the survey shows the front roughly 2.1 acres is zoned commercial and the back roughly 2 acres is zoned residential. He noted challenges including a retention pond, a 40-foot utility easement that limits building and some low, wet areas in the back that would require fill for development. "I looked into that and, basically just presented to you with the, you know, the survey that shows the the the front 2.1 something acres is zone commercial. The back 2 is zone residential," the staff member told the council.
Councilors raised questions about access to a park on the rear portion: whether a street or driveway would be required, whether walking access could be provided through Bristol Oaks, and whether use of the commercial front could limit saleability. Staff said a partial parking lot or driveway across the utility easement might be possible but that buildings or fences could not be constructed on the easement. Council also discussed neighborhood concerns about access through a private subdivision and whether the park could be perceived as restricted to the HOA.
The council directed staff to bring parcel dimensions, retention pond size and maps to the next meeting for fuller review and agreed to place "review and discuss Wallen Ridge property" on the next agenda. No formal vote to sell, acquire or rezone the property occurred during the discussion.
Why it matters: Converting undeveloped land to public parkland would affect future tax revenue, neighborhood access and potential city maintenance obligations. The site’s topography, easements and flood-retention features will shape feasibility and costs.
Next steps: Staff will provide detailed maps, measurements and options for access and return the item to the council for further consideration.
