Finally \u2013 we\u2019ve gotten to a version of the Welaunee Master Plan that KIR can support.\u00a0\u00a0We thank both commissions for the Oct 13 workshop direction to incorporate our idea that will, hopefully, create the Welaunee Habitat Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This Habitat Park is a component of a Weluanee Park System that KIR proposed many months ago.\u00a0\u00a0We are happy to say that much of our proposal is being incorporated into the MP \u2013 but that was always an easy thing to do.\u00a0\u00a0Because, unlike how it was often characterized, the KIR proposal was NEVER a mandate or a takings.\u00a0\u00a0It was just a way to better organize the Open Space requirement the City and landowner had agreed to when this CP amendment was FIRST submitted in November of LAST YEAR.\u00a0\u00a0We are thankful that both the City and the landowner agreed early on that an OS requirement is a good thing for such a large development and could be easily parlayed into an asset!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
KIR proposed park system was well informed by data, analysis and expertise. I remind you \u2013 in my previous existence I was a professional forest ecologist and a conservation biologist. KIR board members also have similar professional experience. We know something about using open space well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The OS requirement of 40% means about 1900 acres of land will not be developed within the Arch.\u00a0\u00a0About 1000 acres of this is already identified as Comp Plan protected features such as wetlands and floodplains.\u00a0\u00a0This leaves about 900 acres upland habitat \u2013 woods, fields and pine plantations that will also have to be set aside.\u00a0\u00a0Note \u2013 HAS TO BE SET ASIDE.\u00a0\u00a0This is NOT KIR mandate, this was in the MP from day 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our proposal was to start with the 1000 acres of identified environmental features and use the 900 remaining acres to add:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was ALWAYS PLENTY of REQUIRED open space to preserve habitats\u00a0\u00a0AND create lots of places for humans to walk, bike, ride and play.\u00a0\u00a0And none of this changed development rights one bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well \u2013 this is what we proposed last spring. So, thank you for finally understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please vote for the option that adopts the amendments that fully support the KIR alternative development program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Finally \u2013 we\u2019ve gotten to a version of the Welaunee Master Plan that KIR can support.\u00a0\u00a0We thank both commissions for the Oct 13 workshop direction to incorporate our idea that will, hopefully, create the Welaunee Habitat Park. This Habitat Park … Continue reading