05-C Lake Crook Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cit~ of Paris Stud~' of Lake Crook March, 2001 certainly not on emotion~ There are certain to be some persons not pleased with the recommendations herein but these recommendations will be based on what the consultant considers to be sound principles of development. 1.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 1.4.1 Public Hearings. Certainly the public has been kept well informed on this subject. If they are not so informed then they have failed to listen to the radio, read the newspaper, open their water bills, or attend one of the two public meetings set aside for citizen input. Approximately two hundred persons attended the first public hearing held in November, 2000 and over three hundred attended the second hearing held in February, 2001. Every citizen wanting the opportunity was given the chance to step to the microphone and voice his or her sentiments concerning Lake Crook. Individuals were represented. Hunting, shooting, and wildlife groups were present. And economic development supporters, builders and developers were also present. 1.4.2 Staffparticipation. City of Paris staffwem instrumental in providing the consultant with background data. The City Attorney's office provided deeds and historical information on Lake Crook. The engineering department furnished water and sewer data and aerial photographs. The police chief furnished information on police efforts to monitor the existing park land and relevant historical data on criminal activity in the vicinity. Public works provided maintenance and development data pertaining to the ongoing efforts to improve the public park on the south shores. And finally, the city manager's office sent out surveys to 9900 citizens and the city manager's secretary tabulated the results. 1.4.3 Comments and Interviews. The consultant was able to conduct brief but beneficial interviews in person, via e-m~ail or on the telephone with several parties including the Dallas OffRoad Bicycling Association, the Wild Turkey Federation; representatives of Archers for Christ, Paris Gun Club and Maxey Rifle and Black Powder Club; several local Paris home builders and developers; Realtors; and neighbors of Lake Crook. 1.4.4 Surveys. A survey was developed and mailed to 9900 residential water customers seeking their comments on the use of Lake Crook and 1,473 responded for a response rate of 14.91%, customary for this type of survey. None of those surveyed lived in apartments since they are not directly billed for water. Some of the questions came from the consultant and others from members of the staff. The survey, although it contained fairly strall~at forward language, became an opportunity for many people to vent on everything from Lake Crook to trash collection in the city. The following summarizes each of the questions in the survey: Question: Given the choice between the two following options do you favor development of the property for picnlcking, camping, hiking and similar recreational purposes OR do favor preservation of the land as a natural park in a more undisturbed condition? 1,381 persons responded to this question with 80.3% favoring development of the land for recreational use over preservation as a natural park. Some side-bar Page 4 of 45