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If the ROW were vacated, ownership would transfer to adjacent neighbors, and the City <br />would no longer have control. <br /> A potential crosswalk at Roselawn would require review and approval by both the City <br />and Falcon Heights. <br /> <br />Staff reviewed the next potential steps, possible recommendations, and additional considerations <br />with the Commission: <br />Joint meeting with the City Council scheduled for September 15, 2025. <br /> At that meeting, the Commission could: <br />o Provide an update on progress. <br />o Share recommendations (if ready). <br />o Propose next steps. <br />o Seek clarification from the Council. <br /> <br /> Possible Recommendations: Recommendation One <br />o Does ROW provide parks and recreation value? <br />Yes move to Recommendation Two <br />No Option 1: Vacate <br />No Option 2: Retain without change <br /> Possible Recommendations: Recommendation Two <br />o If the parcel has Parks and Recreation value, what should happen next? <br />1. Study alignment/tree impacts <br />2. Begin non-traditional trail planning <br />3. Begin hardscape path planning <br />4. No trail; vacate ROW <br />5. Take no action now, but preserve ROW for future <br /> <br /> Additional Considerations <br />o Convert ROW to parkland (pending legal review)? <br />o Use Park Dedication funds? <br />o Does the Commission have feedback on an implementation method? <br />The Commission discussed whether there is a precedent for right-of-way land being used as a <br />park or trail. Staff noted that precedent does exist: some ROW segments have been used to <br />provide access to parks, and natural spaces are also part of the City’s Park System. However, this <br />parcel would be unique as it would be the smallest in the system and the only one to potentially <br />combine both uses. <br />Vice-Chair Beckmann asked if there was an estimated cost for an arborist to assess the trees. <br />Staff responded that they anticipated the cost would range from $500 to $2,000, depending on <br />the level of detail required in the assessment. <br />Commissioner Donaldson asked how the trail would be maintained in the winter. Staff <br />acknowledged that it could be difficult to plow an unpaved, winding trail during winter months. <br />4 <br /> <br /> <br />