When a new development is approved, the City requires the developer to provide a benefit for the “community.” The benefit is based on a percentage of an estimated increased value resulting from the approval to allow the development. On January 15, 2018, a proposal to disburse $750,000 in benefits for the Forest Park development was brought to the Planning Committee for approval. While we were pleased that a new splash pad for Garnetwood Park was included, the RHA expressed concerns that a good portion of the funds were to be used to enhance the builder’s own property and not the community’s. The question “Who is the community?” was posed by the Council. Is it the residents of the existing rental buildings or the greater community of Rockwood? As this is a relatively new program, there does not seem to be a cut and dried response. Should the funds be used to enhance the landscaping of private property? Or should we accept that making this property more appealing is a benefit to the entire community? While we agree that the tenants are an integral part of the community, the agreement with the City included an extensive list of improvements within the buildings that the developer was required to complete in order to move forward with the project. We feel strongly that upgrades to the elevators should be a leasehold improvement and a cost that the landlord should pay. As a part of the approval process, the capacity of the storm water management tank was questioned. The City confirmed that the studies indicated the capacity was sufficient. The community budget, however, included $50,000 to upgrade the capacity.
As a result of our objection, the decision was set aside allowing the RHA and the now defunct PDOC time to present alternate proposals. The Rockwood Homeowners’ Association (RHA) has requested that Council consider providing $200,000 to be used for the use of the Tenants, $50,000 to upgrade the storm water management tank which will benefit homeowners in the immediate area, and the balance of $500,000 be directed to the benefit of the community at large. We have requested that, along with the splash pad to be located in Garnetwood Park, the balance of funds be used for: covered or shaded areas around the playground and splash pad; more benches and picnic tables; additional landscaping along the Shaver Trail, and benches for Beechwood Park.
As a result of our objection, the decision was set aside allowing the RHA and the now defunct PDOC time to present alternate proposals. The Rockwood Homeowners’ Association (RHA) has requested that Council consider providing $200,000 to be used for the use of the Tenants, $50,000 to upgrade the storm water management tank which will benefit homeowners in the immediate area, and the balance of $500,000 be directed to the benefit of the community at large. We have requested that, along with the splash pad to be located in Garnetwood Park, the balance of funds be used for: covered or shaded areas around the playground and splash pad; more benches and picnic tables; additional landscaping along the Shaver Trail, and benches for Beechwood Park.
