Developers and council spar over location of 5‑acre park in Legacies subdivision; public work session planned

Jonathan Green, speaking for the landowners, and Eric McLaughlin, the owners’ attorney, told the council the Greens’ preliminary plan places a 5‑acre park on the Green property, separated parking on adjacent Parcel 210, and separate stormwater management parcels — elements they said comply with the annexation resolution (AR 277) and the single concept plan. McLaughlin added that the developer completed wetland and forest delineations that make the proposed location environmentally preferable.

Council members expressed support for the park concept but repeatedly raised concerns about secondary impacts — parking access, the effect on the rest of the single concept plan, adequate public facilities (water, schools) and the potential “ripple effect” of adding more housing. Council member (4) said staff has not yet demonstrated the parking plan’s community access and asked for more details. McLaughlin and Green asked Council to adopt or simplify a previously tabled resolution so the preliminary plan can proceed; the developer offered proposed resolution language.

The council agreed to hold a public work session, invite interested parties and circulate supporting materials so members and the public can review parking, APF and other technical details. No formal council vote on the park resolution took place that night; developers remain able to submit site plans that comply with code but Council will use the public session to weigh any material change to the single concept plan.