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<br />POLICY DIRECTIONS <br /> <br />Since 39 percent of the WElet centerllnEls already Inclucla tr~e c~nQPy, it $eems <br />likely that Ramsey could meet its goal by requlrlns tree canopy along new <br />streets as well as wherever practical for redElvelopment projects. It Is likely that <br />this goal will bEl met largely through the increase In tree canopy provided along <br />streets where new development is occurring. The typical development pattern <br />In Ramsey of Single-family homes on larger lots also will help to provide natural <br />access and vlewsheds to green space. New office, commercial and residential <br />development near town center may have less access to these amenities, but <br />robust landscaping requirements as well as a large park Integrated into the <br />Town Center design will help provide access to green spaces for these residents <br />and workers. Progress towards this goal may also be met by continuing to use <br />the park dedication ordinance to secure land or funds for additional park and <br />open space where new development Is occurring. These two latter Items will <br />occur given the status quo: however the former may require additional polley <br />changes. <br /> <br />The City will need to enhance Its existing landscaping requirements for new <br />developmElnt to ensure that tree canopy Is prevlded on at least Onlt side of nElW <br />strf1!ets. Part of the design review for redevelopment will need to Include i1ln <br />Glnalysls of existing tree canopy along rlght-of-ways and the potential for <br />Increasing the tree canopy during redevelopment. Both of these measures <br />could be implemented through the CIty's landscape requirements ordinance. <br /> <br />. The City could also engage in a proactive tree planting campaign to retrofit <br />existing streets with additional canopy where needed. Where public right-of. <br />way is available, and where safety considerations allow, additional trees could <br />be planted to increas-e views to green space. A tree planting .program would <br />require funding for both the cost of plants as well as the cost of time to do <br />plantlngs. The location of any new trees along existing right of way would also <br />need to be reviewed and ~pproved by the city engineer, planning commission <br />and possibly other authorities such as Anoka County to ensure that the plan for <br />. plantingsmet existing safety requirements. In the United States, tree plantlngs <br />near high speed roadways are often restricted to prevent SeriOUS automobile <br />crashes. SincEI this program would not be dependent on new development or <br />redevelopment, a funding source would have to be identified .if this option <br />were pursued. <br /> <br />16 <br /> <br />-120- <br />