Bastrop proposes community enrichment fund to streamline parkland dedication process

The Bastrop Planning & Zoning Commission convened on December 19, 2024, to discuss an important update regarding the draft community enrichment fund as part of a new public open space ordinance. The proposed ordinance aims to enhance the city’s parks and open spaces by introducing a structured approach to parkland dedication and associated fees.

Miss Viviana presented the updated ordinance, which is intended to replace the existing B3 code mechanism for parkland dedication. The new ordinance will establish a public space and community enrichment fund, comprising three key components: a park development fund, parkland dedication requirements, and a park enrichment fee. The ordinance seeks to simplify the current process, which has been described as complex and challenging for developers.

Under the proposed changes, single-family developments would be required to dedicate one acre of parkland for every 100 proposed dwelling units, while multifamily developments would need to dedicate one acre for every 200 units. For smaller subdivisions with 50 lots or fewer, a fee in lieu of dedication would be accepted, recognizing the difficulty of accommodating parkland in such developments.

The park enrichment fee, set at $250 per residential unit, is a new initiative for Bastrop, aimed at funding the maintenance and enhancement of existing parks. This fee is separate from the parkland dedication and is intended to support the upkeep of parks like Ferry Park and Fisherman’s Park. The commission discussed the importance of ensuring that funds are spent responsibly, with a requirement that any unspent funds be refunded to developers after seven years.

The commission also addressed concerns about the potential impact of these fees on housing costs. While some members expressed support for the initiative, they acknowledged the need to balance the financial burden on developers with the goal of creating a livable city with adequate green spaces.

Next steps include legal review of the ordinance and further discussions with the parks board to refine the proposal. The commission is seeking input from its members to finalize the direction of the ordinance before it is presented to the city council for adoption.