Commission weighs street, park and trail choices for large Dubay Lake Preserve concept

The Planning Commission on March 5 held an extended concept review of the proposed Dubay Lake Preserve, a large 257‑acre project for which the applicant offered two layout options (453 vs. 478 lots). Staff emphasized that concept feedback is nonbinding but would guide future preliminary platting, environmental review and comprehensive‑plan staging actions.

Key commission guidance:

- Diagonal connector: Commissioners generally opposed restoring the previously discarded diagonal connector between Fernbrook and Zanzibar, preferring a north‑south collector alignment that better feeds future Dayton Parkway/Zanzibar corridors.

- Hundred 17 corridor and roundabout: Staff recommended widening 117th to accommodate two lanes plus shoulders and said a roundabout at Fernbrook/117th may be part of future mitigation. Commissioners stressed that any buildout should account for turn lanes and proportional developer contributions, and that an EAW (environmental assessment worksheet) should quantify traffic and trail impacts.

- Parks and trails: Staff noted the area is identified for potential community‑park acreage. Commissioners supported dedicating park/trail easements where feasible and coordinating early with 3 Rivers Park District to protect wetlands while creating safe pedestrian and bike corridors that connect neighborhoods and future civic areas.

Public commenters asked for lower density, safer trail crossings and advance planning to prevent Fernbrook and 117th from becoming chokepoints. Staff said the concept will be presented to city council on March 24 and that subsequent preliminary platting would include more detailed traffic/trail studies, wetland delineations and parkland considerations.

Next steps: staff will bring the concept and commission feedback to council for policy direction and the applicant will prepare materials (EAW and traffic studies) for future hearings.