HomeMy WebLinkAbout04042023 LAYDOWN Griswold Fourth of July Beach 230404 LAYDOWN GRISWOLD COMMENTS
March 31, 2023
P&Z meeting postponed to March 14, 2023
Dear P&Z Commissioners:
I support Resolution 2023-008 Fourth of July Beach to:
Update Municipal Lands Inventory and Management Plan
Improve and designate parking and access to beach
Plat area into one parcel
Rezone to Park to preserve as a public recreation area
I would like to suggest a few more initial Whereases to further strengthen the Resolution:
"WHEREAS, the Short-term Action Items on the 2022 Municipal Lands Inventory and
Management Plan recommends maintaining public access to Fourth of July Beach, adding
signage, dedicated parking spaces for RVs, and replatting the area; and
WHEREAS, Fourth of July beach is a very popular recreational beach for visitors and
locals year-round; and
WHEREAS, protecting the beach now for public recreation by replatting and rezoning
from Industrial to Park is even more crucial as the surrounding area develops; and"
I recommend amending references to raising the parking lot elevation to be level with Sorrel
Road in the Background on page 37. The map note on page 36 and 42, and WHEREAS number
three and four still work as they do not specify how high.
Raising the parking lot to be level with Sorrel Road is not practical or feasible, and was not
recommended in the work session. It's about a five-foot drop. That would create a multitude of
problems, including making access from the parking lot to the beach difficult for the disabled
and parents with little kids. Instead, raising just the existing basin about two feet would bring it
level with the beach and greatly improve drainage. Consistent plowing in winter would also
help. The surrounding boulder vehicle barrier also needs routine maintenance to raise them
above the grade. However, these maintenance items do not need to be formalized in the
Resolution. Please delete reference to raising the parking area to the level of Sorrel Road.
Parking: There are six parking spaces along the shipyard fence west of the security gate. These
are very desirable spots for beach parking, but the shipyard employees almost always park
there (without paying for any lease). These six additional spaces should be included in this plan
and signed for Beach Parking/Day Use Only.
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Amend WHEREAS six:
"WHEREAS, additional parking could be designated north of the lower parking lot along the
fence west of Sorrel Road, and on the northern side of Sorrel Road on Lot 4A-4, Block 7, by
placing signage and boulders around the boundary; and"
Amend Section 1, b) Designate additional parking north of the lower parking lot along the
fence west of Sorrel Road, and on Lot 4A-4..." Photo attached.
It is probably a good idea to plat the proposed new beach parking lot separately for flexibility
but retain the goal. Parks only grow in popularity, and if parking is not provided, access
becomes a huge issue. Think Lowell Point or any other popular state park or trailhead that does
not have adequate parking set aside. Temporarily designating the beach parking lot now with
signage and boulders is a great idea. It's the best location for RVs as they do not fit in the lower
parking lot.
The public's right to access Fourth of July Beach via Delphin Street is definitely compromised in
the winter as there is no plowing or other maintenance. I agree with the recommendation to
officially designate Olga Street as a public ROW instead of a private service road. A lot has
changed recently as SMIC develops; it's time to recognize that Olga Street is now the main
access for Jag and Fourth of July Beach.
A final suggestion is to add a last WHEREAS:
"WHEREAS, officially naming Parks is important to the public, Fourth of July Beach should be
officially named, Fourth of July Beach Park."
Best,
Carol Griswold
Inside city limits
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