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Kenny Drive (Mod 8) sparks sharp debate: keep parkland or permit low‑intensity, trail-oriented development?
Summary
Mod 8 (Kenny Drive) prompted the meeting's most pointed exchange: youth advisors and some commissioners favor trail‑oriented, nature-based destinations and a trailhead; other members urged preserving city‑held parkland and warned of access and maintenance constraints.
Mod 8 — the Kenny Drive site — produced the strongest divergence of views at the joint work session. The consultant described the vision as trail‑oriented, low‑intensity development that would emphasize nature, trailheads and public access; youth advisory committee members had expressed excitement about a trailhead and outdoor gathering spaces. A council member said it would be "very sad... if we zone this residential and gave up space that the city owns as parkland," urging protection of existing open space and caution on access constraints along Kenny Drive.
Others argued a mixed approach (a pocket neighborhood or small destination that includes a trailhead and public amenities) could combine public revenue with maintained public access and reduce long‑term maintenance burdens on the city. Staff and council agreed more work is needed on access, costs, and governance (leasing or land‑banking models) before making a final recommendation; several speakers noted the site is city‑owned and that any change would require broad public conversation before rezoning.
