Title
Final Report of Northeast Park Stormwater Task Force (B)
Explanation
The Task Force held five meetings, with their final meeting being May 29, 2001.
The Task Force developed the following seven recommendations:
1. Northeast Park is far too valuable for stormwater management use. Therefore, no part of Northeast Park should be used for this purpose. In order to deal with stormwater quantity and quality issues generated in the Northeast Park watershed, we recommend a step-down treatment approach that includes sites #8, #4, and #2 of sufficient size to substantially improve stormwater runoff characteristics prior to discharge into Sweetwater Branch.
2. Due to the fact that the adjacent western watershed is the primary contributor to the Sweetwater Branch stormwater runoff problems, we recommend that the City take decisive action in addressing and correcting the stormwater drainage problems that contribute to Sweetwater Branch, recognizing that flooding caused by the western watershed affects the Northeast Park watershed dynamics. Furthermore, we recommend the City investigate sites A and B or similar solutions for correcting this problem.
3. We recommend that the City adopt stronger redevelopment stormwater policies and regulations to avoid what has occurred with the redevelopment of the Gainesville Shopping Center Publix. This redevelopment does not include adequate stormwater management facilities to fully treat stormwater runoff.
4. We recommend that the City offer incentives to existing businesses to provide stormwater management facilities or to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces on their property in order to improve stormwater runoff quantity and quality of discharge.
5. We recommend that no major recreational facilities, such as the proposed skateboard facility (since withdrawn), be added to Northeast Park. However, we recommend the following improvements:
a. A water fountain near the picnic area.
b. Additional picnic tables.
c. Additional sitting benches.
d. Additional shade trees in the playground area.
All of the above should be accomplished maintaining the aesthetic quality of the park.
6. We recommend that old playground equipment be examined by qualified experts and the equipment and the sites they occupy be brought up to recognized standards for safety.
7. At the end of the six month trial period of the dog park, we recommend the City survey the park users (including children) as to the dog park's usefulness and location to determine its viability in its current location.
Fiscal Note
No funding impacts have been determined at this time.
Recommendation
The City Commission accept the Northeast Park Stormwater Task Force report.