Minor Hill/Sharp Park Land Use Study
Summary of Meeting Minutes
January 30, 2002 3:30 p.m.

Attendees:

• Don Gross, Steve Taub, Ellen Jones and Jim Toronto, Minor Hill Task Force
• Peter Alchin and Kurt Lewis, PRCR
• Jerry Corbin and Dave Hundelt, DPW
• Jill Yutan, ONS/NC Program

Minutes:

Jill updated the group that Patton, Harris Rust & Associates (PHR&A) is conducting a survey of the property, which should take about 6 weeks to complete. PHR&A will be providing a topographic survey, including the location of all features on the site. This information will be used to inform the land use study and future projects.

Jill reviewed photographs of Minor Hill, highlighting the significant features of the property and dominant views within and towards Minor Hill.

Jill presented a site analysis of Minor Hill/Sharp Park which depicted the existing features of the property. These features included the woodland canopy, views, steep slopes, overhead utility lines, pedestrian access/circulation, and (service) vehicular access/circulation. The site analysis also identified 3 opportunity areas that have potential for new uses. (They are the area north of the existing brick pump house adjacent to N. Powhatan Street (approximately 16,000 S.F.), the area north of the concrete-surfaced tank adjacent to N. Powhatan Street (approximately 14,000 S.F.), and the area north of Williamsburg Boulevard entrance ( approximately 5,000 S.F.). It was noted there is unofficial pedestrian movement around the concrete tanks.

The group reviewed an opportunities and constraints list based on an earlier list of issues raised during a Minor Hill Task Force meeting on January 24, 2001. Comments based on the list are summarized below.

• The fencing for the Minor Hill site needs to be studied to make the fencing more efficient and reduce the amount of fencing, if possible. The type and color of fencing also needs to be studied. The lower height fence around the tanks keeps service vehicles from driving on top of the tanks and needs to remain. The fencing in front of the pump house could be removed as long as the other 3 sides are still fenced in (secure). Fencing on top of the concrete tanks needs to be maintained due to the height of the exposed tank walls.

• Vehicular access for service vehicles needs to be maintained, but the group agreed there should be no vehicular access to the site for the general public. The existing paved parking spaces could be converted back to green space. Parking will be available in a parking lane on N. Powhatan Street in the future. · The use of wildflowers on top of the grass covered tanks needs to be studied further, concerns were raised on the depth of the roots and the use of fertilizer above the tanks. The weed-like appearance of the wildflowers was also raised as a concern.

• It was noted there is strong neighborhood opposition to active recreation on top of the concrete tanks. The impact to adjacent single family homes also needs to be considered.

• There is an erosion problem on the steep slopes adjacent to the southeast corner of the concrete tanks towards Williamsburg Boulevard. Construction of a retaining wall was discussed as a solution to the current problem. The issue of who would fund this work was not resolved.

• Existing volunteer growth and invasive plant material needs to be removed, especially along N. Powhatan Street south of the current Minor Hill entrance. · The idea of a bird (swallow) house was discussed; it would need to be located above the tallest fence. PRCR agreed to study the feasibility and to see if there is a suitable location on the Minor Hill site.

• The need for a tot lot for small children was discussed. Cost for a tot lot is approximately $100,000. The two locations available for the tot lot are both adjacent to N. Powhatan Street. Concerns were raised if there is adequate space to construct a tot lot and that both locations are adjacent to N. Powhatan Street. No conclusion was reached on whether a tot lot should be located at Minor Hill.

• A small pond was discussed, and it was concluded there are too many maintenance issues associated with locating a small pond in an unattended park.

• DPW will study the feasibility to totally or partially remove the tall concrete wall that is associated with the concrete tanks.

• The group agreed the existing light fixtures seem adequate for Minor Hill. Sharp Park is closed at dark, so lighting is not recommended.

• The group discussed the merits of locating a picnic shelter or gazebo in Minor Hill. The conclusion was a more informal setting was desired with the use of benches and picnic tables, but not to use a covered structure.

• The group agreed to the idea of utilizing a small area to create a butterfly garden, by installing shrubs and other plants that attract butterflies. It was suggested volunteers from the neighborhood could provide maintenance of the small garden area.

• The idea of a continuous trail through Minor Hill was discussed, but due to steep topography on portions of the property, it is not feasible. Smaller paths could be located in the two open areas adjacent to N. Powhatan Street.

The group reviewed the short-term maintenance issues list that was prepared after the October 16, 2001 site visit. Most of the work has been completed, with the remainder of the work to be completed by early spring. It was noted the existing light fixtures on top of the concrete tanks still need to be removed. There was a discussion that the existing electrical box (on top of the concrete tanks) probably could not be totally removed, but the size of the box could be reduced since all the equipment inside is not needed any longer.

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