STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture
AGENDA DATE: February 12, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 4
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the rescission of the authorization of a public hearing to be held on December 11, 2024, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code; and (2) a public hearing to be held on March 26, 2025, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of parkland at West Trinity Heights Park, located at 1900 Harlandale Avenue, totaling approximately 24,204 square feet of land (0.56 acres), by Dallas Water Utilities Department for a public drainage project - Estimated Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation & Development Fund $740.90
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas owns municipal parkland known as West Trinity Heights Park (1.5 acres) located at 1900 Harlandale Avenue in southern Dallas. West Trinity Heights Park is a neighborhood park with passive recreation. The park encompasses the city block with Little Cedar Creek running through the park from north to south. The immediate creek area is, for the most part, maintained by park maintenance staff in its natural state while mowed lawn on either side of the creek provides for passive recreation. During significant flood events a portion of the park floods for a short period of time. The request for a drainage easement is for the area on either side of the creek and the riparian turf area. The Dallas Water Utilities’ Department (DWU) project includes engineering to reinforce the creek banks and grade in an approximately 10,000 square feet of the park to eliminate street flooding which results in Georgia Avenue being hazardous during significant flood events.
The use of parkland will require an approximate 24,204 square feet (0.56 acres) public drainage 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 pay, if the easement is authorized at the public hearing, the fair market value for this easement, as determined by an independent appraisal. DWU will also pay public hearing advertising costs of $740.90.
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 November 7, 2024, the Park and Recreation Board authorized a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of parkland at West Trinity Heights Park, located at 1900 Harlandale Avenue, totaling approximately 24,204 square feet of land (0.56 acres), by the Dallas Water Utilities for a public drainage project to be held on December 11, 2024.
On November 13, 2024, the City Council authorized a public hearing to be held on December 11, 2024, by Resolution No. 24- 1664.
On February 6, 2025, the Park and Recreation Board authorized (1) the rescission of the authorization of a public hearing to be held on December 11, 2024, pursuant to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code; and (2) a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed use of a portion of parkland at West Trinity Heights Park, located at 1900 Harlandale Avenue, totaling approximately 24,204 square feet of land (0.56 acres), by the Dallas Water Utilities for a public drainage project to be held on March 26, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Estimated Revenue: Capital Gifts, Donation and Development Fund $740.90
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