Sixty-two area residents attended a community meeting on Jan. 31 to discuss the High Oak Terrace project.

The High Oak Terrace Apartments, built in 1970 to provide housing to low-income residents, became a magnet for drugs, prostitution, and other crime. With the help of federal grant funding, the apartments were demolished in 2005 with plans to build single-family homes on the vacant lot.

But when the housing market slipped, the project failed to take off and the 12 acres, located at the corner of North Bowen and Wesley Drive, remained vacant.

The current proposal is to change the initially planned use of the vacant lot from new single-family homes to a neighborhood park, contingent on community support.

Those in attendance on Tuesday night were shown a neighborhood park concept with options for park amenities and initial design. Requests for feedback showed the most desired park amenities were walking trails, natural areas, and a playground.

Next Steps

City officials will continue to collect feedback from citizens during the public comment period from Jan. 27-Feb. 27 and prepare an amendment to the 2010-2015 Consolidated Plan for Council consideration to change the use of the property from development of owner-occupied housing to a neighborhood park.

TheCity will continue to work on more detailed design options and the public will be given additional opportunities for input as the park master plan is developed.

By: Michelle Rice and Sarah Bahari