Council approves DCM Farms final plat, caps developer contribution for Fernbrook corridor at $2 million

Dayton City Council voted to approve the final plat and development agreement for the first phase of the DCM Farms subdivision, a multi‑phase project whose initial west‑side phase includes 106 single‑family lots. The agreement caps the applicant’s contribution for Fernbrook Lane and 114th Avenue intersection improvements at $2 million, with a $125,000 corridor‑study payment counted as part of that cap. Any remaining funds may be applied to intersection work at Rush Creek Parkway or 117th Avenue at the council’s discretion.

The council’s action followed a lengthy presentation from staff explaining the project commitments — dedication of park land for Area 21, future sewer and water extensions to adjacent homes, and developer‑funded trail/landscaping elements to be finalized in later phases — and extended questioning from council members about road design standards, lot sizes and how the developer’s contributions would be applied.

The applicant and staff told the council the $125,000 payment would fund preliminary corridor design: field work, soil borings, preliminary layouts and identification of land acquisition needs so right‑of‑way can be secured before homes are built. Council members sought clearer limits on financial exposure and flexibility to apply excess funds to other nearby intersections if 114th’s final design required less than the full $2 million.

Nearby residents spoke during the DCM agenda item and in open forum, pressing the council on traffic and safety along Fernbrook and at Rush Creek Parkway, a lack of roadway signage and lighting at a new trail crossing, and severe perched groundwater and drainage problems affecting several properties. Residents asked that road realignments or intersection improvements be prioritized to reduce construction traffic impacts on Fernbrook. City staff acknowledged the concerns, said electrical meter work is delaying irrigation and park completion, and committed to follow‑up on drainage and corridor coordination with the county.

A motion to approve the final plat and to amend the development agreement consistent with the council’s discussion passed 3–2. Council members recorded that the $125,000 corridor payment is an advance within the $2 million cap and instructed staff and legal counsel to finalize the development agreement language to reflect the cap and the council’s discretion on allocation of any excess funds.