LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
title
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 48-20 - CREATING SECTION 6-3-21 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA, RELATED TO RESTRICTING DEVELOPMENT AT HITZMAN-OPTIMIST PARK
end
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council adopt Proposed Ordinance No. 48-20 on second reading:
AN ORDINANCE CREATING SECTION 6-3-21 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PENSACOLA, FLORIDA; RESTRICTING DEVELOPMENT AT HITZMAN-OPTIMIST PARK; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
end
body
HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
Hitzman-Optimist Park (the “Park”), located at 3221 Langley Avenue, is a City-owned and maintained recreational facility that is open for public use and is accessible for people of all ages and abilities, with amenities not limited to but including athletic fields, restroom facilities, playground equipment, a disc golf course, and a walking path.
The City of Pensacola is committed to providing privacy and enjoyment to neighbors at the Park by means of natural foliage and ensuring protection to the existing wooded areas of the park.
In 2019, Parks and Recreation staff met with the Scenic Heights Neighborhood Association concerning improvements, including soccer fields, to Hitzman-Optimist Park. One of their concerns was the possible future development of the park's remaining wooded area in the form of additional sports fields and parking. The association expressed a desire to preserve Hitzman-Optimist Park’s value to the City of Pensacola and its citizens, as well as to continue to provide privacy and natural beauty to neighbors. The ordinance will prevent the wooded area from being disturbed by construction, adding value to the Park as well as providing privacy and natural beauty as requested by the association.
PRIOR ACTION:
April 23, 2020 - City Council was presented with Resolution 2020-13 for approval. Upon discussing the item, it was determined that while the intent was there, it lacked enforceability and needed stronger language. The City Council found it appropriate to restrict future development of the remaining wooded area of the park. The item was withdrawn in favor of being written in the form of an ordinance.
November 12, 2020 - City Council voted to approve Proposed Ordinance No. 48-20 on first reading.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
10/27/2020
STAFF CONTACT:
Keith Wilkins, City Administrator
Kerrith Fiddler, Deputy City Administrator- Community Development
Brian Cooper, Parks and Recreation Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1) REVISED Proposed Ordinance No. 48-20 clean version
2) REVISED Proposed Ordinance No. 48-20 strike through and underline version
3) Original Draft Proposed Ordinance No. 48-20
4) Exhibit A
PRESENTATION: No end