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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.