HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2003-085
-
Sponsored by: City Manager
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2003-85
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, ESTABLISHING DESIGN PRIORITIES FOR HOBEN
PARK
WHEREAS, Hoben Park is a culturally and historically significant property; and
WHEREAS, between the 1920's and the 1940's Hoben Park had a distinctive
landscape with a functional water fountain, wrought iron fence, a level grass lawn,
several concrete pedestal planters, historic lampposts and some bird houses; and
WHEREAS, many of the previous amenities need to be restored to reestablish
the integrity of the visual aesthetics of the original historic landscape; and
WHEREAS, the Park now has a beautiful poplar tree as its centerpiece which
needs to be preserved; and
I
WHEREAS, the priorities for restoration shall start with installation of the
historic lamp posts, replacing the fountain and restoring the original fountain basin and
pedestal, installing historically accurate replica fencing of a safe height along the North
and West side, reconstruction of the historic concrete planters, flower gardens (where
appropriate) using Alaskan flora, benches (where appropriate) and bird houses, as
funding becomes available; and
WHEREAS, the restoration of Hoben Park to the simple and elegant design it
had during its period of historic significance will emphasize Seward's appreciation of
local history and natural beauty.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council finds that it is in the best interests of the City
of Seward to preserve the integrity of the poplar tree and restore the
amenities of Hoben Park as it was during the park's period of historic
significance, the 1920's to the 1940's.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City of Seward, Alaska this 11 th day of
August, 2003.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2003-85
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
;;[-a~
Stu Clark, Mayor
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Amberg, Shafer, Orr, Dunham, Valdatta, Clark
None
Branson
None
:A~~
~ Lewis
CIty Clerk . "nlll",
~..,,'\' OF SfJ;:"'"
~ "<::--{"'~DO""" :.q A' ';,
~ ~~. ,I"" Ii~~'. ">'0 ~
(City Se" ..' '''V'~:'. ~
~ ~' _ 'O.~ -:
· "'E ...
· ~:.AL! . ::
. ..
.........- ...
. ..
~. ",..' ~
U ~1 ..S>. ~
!k ~ ...1." r~~
~ OF p..\..f>-\..~"
'''IIIIIiII\'\\
Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: August 11, 2003
Through: Phil Shealy, City Manager
From: Malcolm G. Brown, Planner
Karin Sturdy, Parks & Recreation Director
Agenda Item: A Recommendation to City Council on Historical
Reconstruction of Hoben Park
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
In the fall of 2002 Council expressed concern about the health of the poplar tree
(commonly referred to as a cottonwood) in Hoben Park. Consideration was given to park
benches, flower gardens, a new fountain, and pathways some of which would be paved.
The Parks and Recreation Department then obtained a report from an arborist. The report
states that the tree is healthy in spite of a wound on the South side caused by a limb that
broke off. The report recommends that precautions be taken to ensure its continued good
health. The arborists report pointed out that soil compaction under the tree could damage
the root network, and recommended keeping improvements away from the tree.
On June 23rd, 2003, City Council discussed development options for Hoben Park.
Council was concerned that the improvements under or near the tree could be attractive
nuisances which draw the public into a potential fall zone. The tree does have the
potential to be labeled a hazard, like all trees. Consequently, Council’s discussion
determined that more public input was needed and that the Planning and Zoning
Commission was an appropriate venue.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public work session at Hoben Park on July
st
1 to learn more about the development alternatives, and they discussed the topic as New
st
Business at the regularly scheduled July 1 meeting. The Commission held a Special
th
Meeting on July 15 in order to formally consider the development alternatives for the
Park.
The Planning and Zoning Commission received a significant amount of public input
regarding the fate of the tree and how to proceed with the park design. Many within the
community wish to retain the tree for historical, aesthetic, environmental, erosion control
and many other reasons. Undoubtedly, there are some who would like to see the tree
removed, however no public comment has been received to support removing the tree.
An interesting point of emphasis was provided by a local archeologist, Tim Sczawinski,
who stated that several years ago when construction was done in the park many artifacts
were found, and that caution should be taken to ensure compliance with the Antiquities
Act. His conversations with National Park Service archeologists have reinforced his
claims that the Phoenix was built in that area of Seward.
The Planning and Zoning Commission determined that keeping the integrity of the poplar
tree and working towards a historical restoration of the landscape as it was during the
1920-1940’s time period should guide the policy for development. All other aspects of
the park improvements would support the preservation of the tree and the historical
reconstruction. The criteria for an historic landmark needs to be used as guidance. When
viewing the photographs of historic Hoben Park, one sees ‘simple elegance’ in limited
park amenities. The photographs show the well maintained lawn, the fountain, the lamp
posts, ornamental flower planters, bird houses and some shrubs and trees.
The Commission prioritized the development as follows:
1.installation of the historic lamp posts, and
2.replacing the fountain and restoring the original basin and pedestal, and
3.installing historically accurate replica fencing of a safe height along the North
and West side, and
4.reconstruction of the historic concrete planters, and
5.flower gardens (where appropriate) using Alaska flora, and
6.benches (where appropriate), and
7.bird houses.
Location:
South side of Railway Avenue
Size:
.29 acres, approximately 12,632 square feet
Zoning:
Park
SCC 7.15.025 Parks development and improvements
“All developments and improvements to city-owned park facilities shall require the prior
approval of the city parks and recreation director.”
SCC 15.10.025 Land use districts-Established, definitions.
(b) Definitions-Purpose.
(12) Parks district (P).
“It is intended to designate park, recreation and commemorative
property owned by the city, state or federal governments for recreation and other
compatible public purposes.”
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST:
Yes No
1. Comprehensive Plan (1990) X ____
The Comprehensive Plan makes many mention of landscaping and beautification of the
City and the need to enhance the parks and to preserve the historic character of Seward.
2. Strategic Plan (1999) X ____
The Strategic Plan also encourages landscaping, beautification and protection of parks
and preservation of historic sites.
3. Historic Preservation Plan (1996) X ____
The Historic Preservation Plan naturally supports preserving historic sites and landscapes
in Seward and makes mention of Hoben Park along with concerns for the (Seward)
Railroad Depot, which was vacant at that time and had not yet been restored.
FISCAL NOTE:
There remains approximately $50,000 to complete Hoben Park as designed.
Approved by Finance Department: _______________________.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission recommends that City Council choose to preserve the integrity of the
tree, and proceed with a historical restoration of the landscape as it was in the 1920-
1940’s period of significance. The restoration will need to be done in phases as
additional funds become available. The priority for restoration should start with
installation of the historic lamp posts, restoring the fountain and restoring the original
fountain basin and pedestal, installing historically accurate replica fencing of a safe
height along the North and West side, reconstruction of the historic concrete planters,
flower gardens (where appropriate) using Alaskan flora, benches (where appropriate) and
bird houses.