SR 06:073 - Laserfiche WebLink

the maJonty of feedback received has been posItIve. The primary concerns from the community revolved around the impact of the creek restoration to the park's current usage by residents, potential storm flooding that might occur because of the creek's changes, park security that might be compromised with the increased tree plantings along Kottinger Drive and the creek, and potential fire hazards in the park. In brief, the creek's storm flow routing was modeled using the accepted method of analysis (Hec-Ras Method), which confirmed that there would be no adverse flood impacts to upstream or downstream property owners with the construction of the proposed project. With the implementation of proposed improvements, the impact to the park with regard to its usage will be negligible, except what is to be expected during the construction phase of the project during the summer and fall of 2006. Discussion regarding park security focused on the perception that the additional trees and vegetation would reduce sight visibility into the park, making it difficult for neighbors to report undesirable or unwanted activities within the park. That perception was fostered by the use of visual aides which showed a plan view (top view) of large circular street tree canopies that gave the impression of a more dense brush and tree cover than intended. Street trees typically have a canopy height that starts 6 feet above ground and allows visual sight distances to be maintained looking through the tree line. Denser vegetative growth will be promoted near the creek's water edge. This vegetation will start out as sparse plantings and gradually fill in as the creek's vegetation matures (maturity time 5 years). The concerns regarding the park's fire hazards relate to previous events in which small grass fires have occurred. Suggested causes relate to the summer months in which grasses become tinder dry and usage of the park by children sliding on cardboard down the park's slope embankment may provide conditions that could lead to the ignition of these grass fires. While the cause of these fires is unknown, there is an ever-present concern from residents regarding this issue. On June 10, 2004, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the concept plans and requested that a copy of the final improvement plans and the final hydraulic report be forwarded for review. On July 22, 2004, the City Council approved the concept plan. During the City Council approval, residents expressed concerns that the plans included a stepping-stone crossing across the low flow channel, since a portion of the elderly population might not be able to negotiate the stepping-stone crossing. Council directed staff to consider a bridge alternative instead. In response, the stepping-stone crossing has been eliminated and a low flow wooden footbridge has been included in the improvement plans. The proposed low flow wooden bridge is 6-feet wide and ten feet long. In addition, City Council asked that the optional bridge opposite Sherry Court also be considered in the final design. The approved concept plans for Kottinger Creek provides for an 8-foot wide low flow channel that meanders through a varying-width floodplain, varying in width from 27 to 46 feet. Staff, SR 06:073 Page 3 of6