Agenda - Council - 08/12/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I Preliminary Plat: Ramsey Town Center Addition August 8, 2003 Page 4 of 9 10. Density Transitioning. The majority of the Ramsey Town Center Addition plat is not subject to density transition requirements since the plat is surrounded by County roads and commercial and industrial uses. However, future development of Outlot A will be subject to density transition requirements since tI~ey will be abutting existing residential lots. 11. Tree Preservation. Due to both the size and high visibility of this development, tree preservation efforts will be critical. A basic overview of existing tree cover was submitted along with the original landscape plan. The revised plans do show more detail with regard to species and ranges of sizes (both height and diameter). Most of the site contains windrows and small clusters of trees that would not be considered significant. However, after conducting a site visit, it was apparent that along the eastern boundary Of the property (along Ramsey Blvd), there are a number of trees that may warrant preservation. The City will need a more detailed description of the trees in this area. The revised plan does note that the 'northeastern portion of the site will be further assessed and a certified survey will be submitted. This survey will include the location of individual trees as well as the species and size. In addition, Staff would like the overall condition of the trees included as well. This revised tree preservation plan will need to be approved prior to any grading work. 12. Landscaping (Street Trees). The City has received a revised landscaping plan dated July 21, 2003. The plfin includes more detailed information than the previous plan including species locations and numbers. The revised plan indicates a total of 2,369 overstory deciduous trees will be planted along the streets and within the park/open spaces. Additionally, 144 ornamental and sixty-six (66) coniferous trees will also be installed, mostly in the park/open spaces (only a small number of them appear to be included in the center medians). All tree species appear to meet the minimum size and height requirements as stipulated in City Code. There are fifteen (15) deciduous tree species in the species palette, of which, three (3) are considered ornamentals and twelve (12) are considered overstory trees. However, a total of twenty species (including cultivars and varieties) are shown on the landscaping plan. This discrepancy, along with a quantity for each species (indicated' in the species palette) will need to be corrected and/or included prior to approval of the plan. The Serviceberry is considered to be a preferred ornamental species; while the hawthorn and three varieties of crabapple are considered to be acceptable ornamental species as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book. Furthermore, six (6) of the overstory deciduous species are considered to be preferred and the remaining species are acceptable as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book. -309-