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Council advances Conley Mill land-conversion push; state sign-off and borrow-pit limits discussed
Summary
Council held an extended work session on converting donated Conley Mill land to Program Open Space parkland, heard broad public support, and discussed state conversion criteria, exclusion of actively mined pond areas, and next steps including a council letter of support.
Steve Miller, director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, briefed the council on a proposed Program Open Space (POS) land conversion to transfer POS obligations from the West Metro Core (Levin DeShiel Road) to the Conley Mill property (donated to the county in 2019). "Land conversions are rare and require all three state sign-offs — and the state has indicated that because this conversion was previously reviewed it could proceed faster," Miller said, describing the three POS criteria: equal or greater acreage, equal or greater appraised value, and equal or greater recreational value.
Public comment at the same meeting strongly favored conversion. Residents and organized advocates urged the council to protect existing water features, emphasize equity of access and mental-health benefits, and move forward quickly. "Conley Mill will provide accessible green space within 5 miles of our downtown urban zone," a resident said, urging the council to support the conversion.
Council members asked technical questions about borrow pits and mining. Adam Corey, Deputy Director of Public Works, said permitted mining and horizontal expansion could extend to the early 2030s; Department of Natural Resources staff advised excluding active pond/mined areas from a conversion if mining will continue more than 3–5 years. "DNR recommended we convert the upland areas now and consider incorporating the ponds later once mining is finished and ponds are reclaimed," Miller told council.
Council signaled willingness to send a letter of support with the conversion application and requested staff to prepare appraisals and updated application materials; staff said state reviewers had already provided initial feedback. The council asked staff to include protective language in master-planning steps to preserve passive, natural character where the public expects it. Miller suggested a phased approach to provide access to safe portions of the property while mining continues on the borrow area.
Next steps the council identified included drafting a letter of support to accompany the POS conversion application, refining appraisals, excluding the actively mined ponds from the initial conversion per DNR guidance, and initiating a master-plan process for public input on future recreational elements.
