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Sunday, Jun 25.200E PIONEER PRESS Posted on Fri, Apr. 21, 2006 New rale aimed at park development Future construction required to dedicate portion of land or money BY NHIA TONGCHAI LEE Pioneer Press The South St. Paul City Council approved an ordinance Monday that requires future residential or commercial construction to dedicate land, money or a commination of the two to help develop parks. The requirement could help offset some of the cost to turn Port Crosby, an 87 -acre former industrial waste site, into a $12 million park, complete with softball fields and picnic areas. "This policy will help subsidize some of the cost to Port Crosby," said Chris Esser, parks and recreation director. "Port Crosby has been looming around for so long now because of the cost related to it. It won't help fund everything, but it'll help it out somewhat." The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, requires residential property owners to dedicate at least 10 percent of their developable land area to park space. Commercial and industrial property developers are required to dedicate 5 percent. The land must meet city requirements and be suitable for public recreation use. The city will require cash payment in lieu of land if the city finds that the land is not suitable for park development. Single-family dwellings, duplexes and multiple -unit buildings are required to pay $1,300. Commercial and industrial landowners will pay $2,300 per acre. "It's important for the city to support park development and preservation," said Mayor Beth Bauman. "This will provide the needed leverage." The fund can be used only for capital costs, acquisition of land and initial development and construction of a park. It cannot be used for ongoing maintenance or future operation of the park, such as staffing, Esser said. South St. Paul's park -dedication fee is lower than that of many cities and the statewide average. For a single-family dwelling, the metro average is $2,601, while the statewide average is $2,496. The fee for the city of Inver Grove Heights is $2,750, and West St. Paul's is $1,200, according to Esser. He said he doesn't believe the new ordinance will drive away potential developers. "Most cities have a park -dedication policy already," Esser said. "Developers are familiar with how it works and why it's important. They could even use the parks, too." Nhia TongChai Lee can be reached at 651-228-2120 or nlee@pioneerpress.com.