09-08-2001 Special Called Workshop Meeting

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Option 2: Staff believes the area southeast of Fairmont Parkway and SH 146 will begin development in the ' near future. When it does, there will be a need for detention areas for each of the parcels of land that will be developed. This proposal calls for consolidation of the detention areas into a single, twenty-acre site. This detention area could then be used for youth baseball facilities. Preliminary talks have begun with property owners regarding the possible consolidation of detention for this area, and use of some of his undeveloped land ' for this purpose. Advanta~ - Since the land development standards require detention areas, this dual use would be of benefit to both the developers as well as the City. - Property owner could get a tax write-off for donation of the land at parkland value rather than at detention area value. '; - All of the advantages listed in Option 1 apply here except that we do not own the land. Disadvantages: - As stated above, we do not own the land. This option may take somewhat longer to accomplish. ' - If the land has to be purchased, the cost of development as youth baseball complex goes up. - Disadvantages for Option 1 also apply here. Estimated Cost: - The estimated cost for five to six fields, including parking, concession and restroom facilities, utility service, etc., is approximately $2 million (estimate provided by Randall-Porte~eld Architects, Inc.) plus the possibility of land purchase if an agreement cannot be reached for donation. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Long Term Option: In the long term, there are two primary goals we are seeking to accomplish by moving youth baseball to another site(s). One is obviously to meet the Association's needs by providing excellent quality fields and infrastructure that is safe and suitable to showcase La Porte. The other is to return Fairmont Park to its original status as a community park. That's why we feel that a good option is to pursue both options listed above, with the first phase being Option 1, providing five or six fields at Westside, and funded in the proposed upcoming bond issue. It would be followed by a second phase, providing an additional five or six fields using the Haynesworth property, in a future bond issue. Advantages: - Fairmont Park is returned to its original purpose as a community park. - Youth baseball needs are met for the next fifteen to twenty years. - By phasing in development, there is less strain on our bond program, freeing up funding for other more pressing citywide infrastructure needs. Disadvantages: - Still results in two separate facilities. Whether the short-term or long-term options are exercised, the proposed new youth baseball facilities would meet the long-term needs of the baseball association here in La Porte by providing awell-designed layout(s) with adequate parking, restroom, and other support facilities to meet the needs of La Porte's youth baseball players and their families. (9)