Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/04/2011

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July 29, 2011 Mr. Kurt Ulrich City of Ramsey 7550 Sunwood Dr NW Ramsey, MN 55303 Re: Preliminary Site Plan — Northstar Commuter Rail Station Dear Mr. Ulrich: We are in receipt of a Site Plan, Landscaping, Grading, Utility, Architectural, and Electrical Plans as well as Building Elevations for the Northstar Commuter Rail Station to be located in The COR, prepared by Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc. and dated March 12, 2010. The City offers the following comments: General: The site plan is proposing to develop a commuter rail station across from the municipal parking ramp and Municipal Center within The COR. The rail station includes platforms on both sides of the railway tracks that will be connected via an enclosed pedestrian bridge over the tracks. The bulk of the proposed project lies within right-of-way (both BNSF and public road right-of-way) and therefore, for reviewing purposes, this is being considered as a transportation improvement. Zoning: As noted above, the bulk of the project falls within right-of-way and therefore is not subject to a specific set of zoning standards or zoning classification. It is adjacent to zoning district COR-1 as well as H-1 Highway 10 Business District. Setbacks: There are no required setbacks applicable to this improvement. However, it appears that a portion of the inbound platform and roofline slightly encroach onto a city -owned parcel to the south of the tracks. This parcel was acquired for future transportation improvements (expansion of Highway 10) and thus, the encroachment does not necessarily represent a conflict. Nonetheless, some mechanism, such as a permanent easement or encroachment agreement for example, will need to be implemented to address this encroachment. Staff will review this matter with the City Attorney to determine what may be the most appropriate procedure and will provide further comment prior to review by City Council. Landscaping: The proposed landscaping includes seventy-four (74) trees and 198 shrubs. There is a decent mix of deciduous and coniferous trees and only a single shrub species. Only a limited portion of the site is proposed to be improved with sod, the remainder of the area is shown as being seeded. Additionally, the limits of irrigation only encompass the areas receiving sod rather than covering the entire site. Staff provided some initial feedback on the 90% plan design that encouraged the use of additional and/or alternate species, noting that all disturbed areas should be improved with sod, and that all landscaped areas should be irrigated. Through correspondence with Kimley-Horn, we understand the desire for consistent, standardized station sites for maintenance purposes (performed by Metro Transit) and are accepting the proposed plantings. However, Staff still has a concern regarding the limited irrigation and the extensive use of seed. Staff will be asking for direction from City Council regarding these two items.