TITLE
Initiating zoning text amendments for Highland National Golf Course driving range lighting and golf course (Sec. 65.230).
BODY
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Zoning Code, found in chapters 60 through 69 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, is established to promote and to protect the public health, safety, morals, aesthetics, economic viability and general welfare of the community, and to implement the policies of the comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, Section 61.801(b) of the Zoning Code authorizes the Saint Paul City Council to initiate amendments to the code; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation has requested these zoning text amendments to maximize limited seasonal outdoor recreation hours by extending access to essential public infrastructure, specifically the driving range facilities at Highland National Golf Course; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments are consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, specifically:
· Policy LU-7. Use land use and zoning flexibility to respond to social, economic, technological, market and environmental changes, conditions and opportunities.
· Policy PR-13. Account for seasonality and climate resiliency in the design, maintenance and programming of Parks and Recreation assets to maximize activity throughout the year.
· Policy PR-25. Strive to make programming financially self-sustaining.; and
WHEREAS, the zoning amendments would allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to light driving range facilities, allowing its use for more hours, until approximately 10p.m. seasonally, maximizing daylight hours and public access to the amenity through dusk; and
WHEREAS, these proposed amendments will allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to maintain driving range service levels during high-demand periods while also generating additional revenue that supports ongoing operations; and
WHEREAS, due to the limited scope of the proposed amendments and their outsized operational impact for the Department of Parks and...
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