Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Master Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brookhaven council adopts La Vista Park master plan after debate over trees and play spaces
Summary
The council voted to adopt the La Vista Park master plan, addressing stormwater fixes and adding a second playground for ages 6–12 while staff and council guaranteed no specimen trees would be removed during construction.
Brookhaven City Council voted July 22 to adopt the La Vista Park Master Plan, a community‑driven update that the city says will address chronic stormwater issues and expand park amenities, including a second playground intended for children ages 6–12.
Council members and staff emphasized the plan followed extensive community engagement. Councilmember (first speaking at SEG 869) told the council the process included three public meetings, a pop‑up at the community festival and four additional neighborhood conversations specifically about the proposed second playground. The councilmember also said petitioners’ concerns that “25 to 30 trees” would be removed were incorrect and noted the consultants designed the plan to avoid removal of specimen trees.
Residents at the meeting offered both support and questions. Tom Woodward, a 33‑year resident and retired planner, said he supported expanding play options and praised the Cooper Carry consultant team’s community engagement. Bill Dinan, president of the La Vista Park Civic Association, stressed the plan’s emphasis on canopy preservation and stream restoration while noting improvements to circulation and a proposed boardwalk to give safer public access to the park’s flood‑plain areas.
The council moved to approve Resolution ID 7321 with a stipulation, discussed on the record, that no specimen trees be removed in design or construction. The motion passed by voice vote.
City staff said the plan also triggers required state environmental certification for any work touching the stream and that the design will incorporate stormwater remediation and tree‑protection measures. The council described the adopted master plan as a “living document” and signaled the administration will continue community outreach as design and permitting proceed.
The resolution was adopted at the July 22 meeting; staff and the consultant will next proceed with design details, permitting and the state environmental certification process required where work affects the stream.
