STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: March 26, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 6
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
Title
A public hearing, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of parkland at L.B. Houston Nature Area, located at 2112 and 2116 Sandy Lane, totaling approximately 7,803 square feet of land (0.18 acres), by Dallas Water Utilities for a public wastewater utility project for the public benefit; and, at the close of the public hearing, consideration of a resolution authorizing the proposed use of parkland pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as L.B. Houston Nature Area (approximately 325 acres) located at 2112 and 2116 Sandy Lane in western Dallas. L. B. Houston Nature Area is a natural area park with passive and active recreation. The request for a wastewater easement is to provide wastewater services to property owners along Sandy Lane. The Dallas Water Utilities Department (DWU) project requires use of parkland for construction of the wastewater utility line.
The use of parkland will require an approximate 7,803 square feet (0.18 acres) public wastewater easement in parkland (Exhibit A). The project will minimally impact the current use of the park which is passive recreational use.
In consideration for this conveyance by easement, DWU will construct a guardrail along the south side (parkland side) of Sandy Lane to prevent parking in the parkland. Vehicular parking encroachment has been an ongoing problem along Sandy Lane which has resulted in erosion and destruction of vegetation in the park nature area.
DWU agrees as condition of the conveyance of easements to:
1. Permit future construction of any park amenities and other improvements within the easement.
2. Coordinate construction work with the Dallas Park & Recreation Department (PKR) staff to minimize disruption to the park. Any damage to the parkland, shall be repaired or replaced by DWU as determined by PKR staff.
3. Coordinate with PKR operations for future construction, maintenance, and operations of DWU utilities within the parkland to minimize disruption of use and operation of the park.
4. Request approval from the Director of PKR should DWU’s operations, maintenance, or construction require DWU to disrupt, demolish, or modify any improvements, vegetation, or terrain within the easements or park, except for in a situation which affects the public’s immediate health, safety, or welfare, in which case DWU shall notify the Director of PKR as soon as possible of such activities. In any case, repair or replacement of park improvements or vegetation damaged or damage to terrain as the result of DWU activities, shall be at the discretion of the Director of PKR, and shall be at DWU’s sole cost with no cost to PKR.
5. Schedule DWU’s project and relocation of existing park amenities and construction of new amenities with the Director of PKR to minimize disruption to park operations.
6. Construct a guardrail along the parkland side (south side) of Sandy Lane for the purpose of preventing cars from illegally parking on parkland. After acceptance of the guardrail by PKR, PKR shall be responsible for the maintenance of the guardrail.
7. The easements shall provide for a release at no cost to Park & Recreation Department when and if DWU abandons the easements.
In compliance with the law, the City must determine that there is a need, that there is no feasible and prudent alternative, and that all reasonable care will be taken not to damage the remainder of the park property and to mitigate any disruption of park services.
In accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 26 (Sections 26.001 through 26.004) the City Council must advertise and hold a public hearing on the change of use of parkland.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 6, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to be held on March 26, 2025.
On February 12, 2025, the City Council authorized a public hearing on March 26, 2025, by Resolution No. 25-0301.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
MAP
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