Commission discusses acquiring a 14-acre parcel to protect Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Commission members discussed a tactical, phased approach to the Graeber Greenway project after broader plans stalled and nearby development raised concerns about cumulative impacts on the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

A member described a specific 14-acre property (Lot 2 in the Pheasant Branch Ridge subdivision) adjacent to Pheasant Branch Road as a potential acquisition to help protect the conservancy. The member asked whether city consultants (MSA) could examine that parcel first or make a presentation focused on feasible protections. "If the city could acquire that parcel, I'm wondering what could be done to better protect Pheasant Branch Conservancy," the member said, and suggested targeting the most feasible initial components of the larger Greenway plan.

Members noted some parcels further east would be hard to acquire and that pursuing a partial, prioritized approach could yield protective benefits sooner. The commission agreed to add discussion of parcel acquisition and phased project planning to a future agenda so staff and consultants can examine options and costs.