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Committee reviews economic-development goals, park amenities; pickleball grant previously declined
Summary
Consultant presented a draft economic development chapter that emphasizes streamlined business licensing, support for home occupations, and cautious exploration of limited commercial development. The committee also discussed park amenities; a previously applied-for pickleball grant was not awarded and the city will continue to explore options.
The Community Development Committee reviewed draft economic development goals and park-amenity language on Aug. 11, focusing on simplifying licensing for home occupations, using city events to promote local businesses, and exploring limited, community-compatible commercial development near the north fields. The committee also discussed Meadow Park amenities after learning a recent pickleball grant application was not awarded.
Daniel Jensen of Sunrise Engineering said the economic development chapter is intentionally short because Woodland Hills has limited commercial land and existing municipal efforts already streamline licensing. On home occupations, Jensen recommended clear, transparent licensing processes and suggested the city could spotlight opt-in local businesses in newsletters or event marketing.
On events, Jensen noted the city’s Maple Fest (the name used in the draft) has historically not always had formal city sponsorship; he suggested coordinating with organizers on marketing and vendor opportunities but did not propose city sponsorship changes tonight.
Regarding the north-side lower fields, Jensen said the plan should "explore targeted community-compatible commercial development" rather than prescribe commercial uses. "Explore targeted community compatible commercial development," he said, adding any future proposals should meet community design expectations and scale.
On park amenities, Jensen told the committee the city applied for a grant for a pickleball court and did not receive funding. He recommended continued exploration of grant opportunities and periodic resident surveys to gauge interest before committing to specific facilities. Committee members said they preferred noncommittal language (for example, “consider” or “explore”) rather than definitive commitments to particular amenities.
Process and schedule: Jensen will circulate completed chapters 1–5 and 7 and the annexation chapter; the committee agreed to review drafts between meetings and expected remaining chapters in September. The committee plans to reconvene on its regular schedule and consider voting on the full general-plan package after members have had time to review all chapters.
No formal action was taken on the economic-development or park sections at this meeting; the committee requested distribution of the draft text to members and to the trails committee where relevant.
