landscape architecture
I
planning
I
civil engineering
MEETING MINUTES
Date of Report:
Subject:
Date of Meeting:
Meeting Attendees:
September 21, 2015
Crossridge Neighborhood Park
Bloc Design Project: 00166.00
Location:
September 14, 2015
Kevin Brickman (Mecklenburg County - PR)
Bert Lynn (Mecklenburg County – AFM)
Brian Bennett (Mecklenburg County – AFM)
Lee Jones (Mecklenburg County – PR)
Chris Hunter (Mecklenburg County – PR)
Collin Brock (Bloc Design)
Kevin Gorman (Bloc Design)
Emily Buehrer (Bloc Design)
Meck County Park &
Rec
Remarks: A community meeting was held to present the developed designs and scope for the
neighborhood park to the community attendees and get their input. Below is a list of the comments
and concerns that were mentioned during the presentation of the project and during the breakout
session.
During Presentation:
1. Will there ever be a connection to Robert L Smith Park?
a. Yes, eventually we would like to provide a connection along the tributary to Robert L
Smith Park and future Paw Creek Greenway.
2. Will permanent or portable toilets ever be located at the park?
a. No. Restrooms are not included in the scope for neighborhood parks.
3. Are you planning to purchase the vacant parcel on Ashford Street?
a. Yes, the county has been in contact with the property owner, surveyed the property,
conducted an appraisal, and made an offer. We are currently waiting for a reply from
the owner.
4. How close will the entrance to the park be to my house?
a. The question was asked by the home owner adjacent to the proposed Ashford
entrance. The entrance trail is shown on the side of the approximately 60’ wide parcel
that is closest to the vacant parcel, not her home.
5. Will I be able to access my land?
a. Yes, the park program will not severe access to any adjacent properties.
6. Will the park be fenced?
a. The park will not fenced. Some decorative fencing may be used at entrance on Ashford
if the additional property is not obtained. This could keep people from easily drifting
onto the adjacent property.
7. The neighborhood is in need of basketball goals. Is this part of the park program?
a. Basketball goals are not currently included in the program for the park. County Zoning
regulations require basketball courts to have parking which this site will not
accommodate. We will re-visit with zoning staff to see if there has been any change in
this parking requirement.
8. One attendee commented that she didn’t feel safe at Robert L Smith Park.
Mecklenburg County
Asset & Facilities Management
00166.00 – Crossridge Neighborhood Park
Charlotte, North Carolina
Bloc Design
1
1310 S. Tryon Street, Suite 111
Charlotte, NC 28203
704.458.1646
www.bloc-nc.com
landscape architecture
I
planning
I
civil engineering
a. Increased use will provide an increased sense of safety, but park users should always be
aware of their surroundings and use good safety practices when using park facilities
9. Who will provide security for the park?
a. The park will be patrolled by park rangers on a regular basis. Park and Rec will work with
CMPD to patrol the park as needed.
10. How often will the park be maintained?
a. Typically, the lawn is mowed every two weeks. Trash and litter is picked up as needed
(minimum twice a week).
During Break-out Session:
1. Will Ashford Street ever be extended to connect to David Avenue?
a. We will have to ask Charlotte Department of Transportation if there are plans to
complete the through road. There is current right-of-way for the road connection.
2. Is there ever a plan to construct the street within the unimproved right-of-way directly across
Ashford from the park entrance?
a. We will have to ask Charlotte Department of Transportation if there are plans to
complete the road.
3. One participant preferred Concept Plan A. She likes that all of the park amenities are located
near the oval lawn. She feels that this will be a more safe and secure arrangement.
4. One participant preferred Concept Plan B. She lives across the street from the proposed park
and likes the idea of being able to see the shelter and playground easily.
5. Two participants expressed the need to “clean up” the park area around the Crossridge Road
entrance. Specifically the tall grasses & weeds (invasive plants) that may attract snakes and
insects like ticks.
6. Two participants expressed their concern about crime and gangs in the area and making sure
safety is a focus for this park. As well as providing activity opportunities for older kids to help
deter them from joining gangs.
7. One participant asked about the name of the park and if there was an opportunity to choose
something that represents the history of the neighborhood, like Pawtucket Park, rather than an
adjacent street.
a. It was explained that there is a process their neighborhood community group can go
through to legally request a change in the name.
8. Two participants expressed the need for areas to host community events within the park.
a. The large oval lawn in both design options will be a great place to facilitate these
events and Park and Rec will work with the events coordinator based on the needs.
(End of Meeting Minutes)
Mecklenburg County
Asset & Facilities Management
00166.00 – Crossridge Neighborhood Park
Charlotte, North Carolina
Bloc Design
2
1310 S. Tryon Street, Suite 111
Charlotte, NC 28203
704.458.1646
www.bloc-nc.com