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Topography. Access. and Location <br /> Topography, access and location determine the usefulness of the parcel. The steepness of the <br /> terrain may affect the suitability of the area for a particular proposed use, such as a hiking area or <br /> bike paths if the slope is too great. For allowing public use of the parcel as well as for allowing <br /> safety and maintenance equipment access, the parcel needs to have a ready means of public access <br /> and should not be landlocked. There may also need to be room to accommodate a certain level of <br /> public parking. The location of a parcel may significantly increase its usefulness. For example, <br /> being in a location in which the need for open space is great or located next to a school could <br /> increase its value. <br /> Non Conforming Uses <br /> Any existing non - conforming uses or illegal activities need to be evaluated. There may be <br /> structures present or current usage of the property which isn't allowable under zoning laws. <br /> Structures may need to be removed. If there is currently illegal activity such as camping or other <br /> unauthorized use of the site, this activity will need to be stopped. The site may be a "trouble <br /> area" with a history of illegal activities and vandalism. Also, we must be sure that the City's <br /> proposed use is consistent with zoning laws or that the ability exists to change the parcels zoning. <br /> It may involve considerable time and money to change these established uses.. <br /> Neighborhood Concerns / Safety Issues <br /> Neighboring residents may have concerns regarding the current condition of the parcel or with the <br /> City's proposal for future use. The level of resistance to City plans and the cost and ability to <br /> alleviate the neighborhood concerns needs to be evaluated. Neighbors may consider the parcel to <br /> be a nuisance due to factors associated with undeveloped lands such as objectionable odors from <br /> stagnant water or "weed seeds" blowing from native vegetation into their yards. Will the donated <br /> parcel have a negative impact on neighboring properties? Such an impact might result in a <br /> lowering of the value of neighboring parcels. Any safety concerns or liabilities associated with <br /> the parcel must also be considered. These might include attractive nuisances such as a deep hole <br /> that a child could fall into, dead trees which may pose a hazard to the public or adjacent property, <br /> or a deep body of water. <br /> 2. USE OF PARCEL IF ACCEPTED <br /> The main goals for the use of these parcels, if accepted, are preservation and enhancement of their <br /> natural resource values, stormwater quality enhancement, nature oriented recreational <br /> opportunities, natural environment education opportunities, or the ability to provide a developed <br /> recreation site opportunity. Parcels which would meet preservation and enhancement goals <br /> would include sites containing a delineated wetland, sites containing T &E species or prime habitat <br /> for such species, sites which would serve to link natural habitats or provide a travel corridor for <br /> wildlife, or sites that possess valuable historic plant communities such as old growth forest. <br /> Stormwater quality enhancement goals could be addressed on sites containing delineated wetlands <br /> as well as other parcels which could provide opportunities for stormwater detention/retention or <br /> 5 <br />