Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/1997

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December 20, ~996 Attachment A to 12/30/96 Staff Review Letter for Sunfish Lake Ponds TO: Planning Commission/Developer FROM: David Chmielewski and Stephen Mastey, Community Development RE: Sunfish Square Townhomes: Landscape and Layout The possibility of exploring a central green on this more densely populated site is encouraged. If a central, communal green space is added to the center of the development, greater opportunities for views and unprogrammed activities may be provided for. With a central green space, the total number of dwelling units is reduced from 75 to 69, but a higher aesthetic value has been added to the development. Perhaps this configuration justifies a tfigher market value per dwelling unit? Bermed screening is a popular method Of separating differing housing types and densities, which you have entertained. Often times sparsely planting vegetation on bermed areas does not encourage optimal vegetative growth because of higher heat conditions, generally poorer soils, and Iow moisture retention and availability. Massing vegetation, as you have begun to explore, is an effective way of increasing plant survival and aesthetics in these bermed conditions. Using plant species that are native and indigenous to the area, rather than cultivars, and massing these species in a more aggressive, naturalistic fashion increases survivability, screening, wildlife presence and reduces cost of installation and maintenance. Using na, ive bare root stock instead of potted or bb stock will cut your cost of installation and materials in half, although planting is limited to spring and fall. Once established, masses of vegetation require virtually no maintenance; i.e. irrigation, mowing, spraying, fertilization. Professionally installed native prairie is a superior altemative to bluegrass turf for low use areas, such as a berm and can be very attractive. The following list of plants are those which are native and indigenous to the area, naturalize well and work well as specimens. These plants include and exceed some of those which you listed and are very highly recommended for many of the conditions on your site.