Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/25/2003 - Special Meeting

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Site Plan Review: Town Center Gardens May 30, 2003, Revised June 23, 2003 Page 4 of 5 the northeastern boundary of the development, there appears to be adequate space for additional plantings. Also, ornamental trees could be included north of the round-about to accent the annual garden. Finally, Outlot A (dedicated for access to the City well house), appears to be about sixty (60) feet wide. As long as a minimum'center width of forty (40) feet can be maintained, the east and west boundaries of Outlot A could be planted with ornamental trees (preferably a species with columnar form or small spreading canopy). All shrubs indicated on the species palette are considered acceptable as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book (with the exception of the Stella D'Oro Daylily, which, as mentioned above, is not considered a shrub). Two of the three coniferous species, Black Hills Spruce and kVhite Pine, are considered to be preferred species as is the Allegheny. Serviceberry (an ornamental tree). The remaining overstory and ornamental trees are all considered to be acceptable as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book. All species included in the species palette meet the minimum size requ?ements of City Code. One concern is the lack of species diversity, especially with regard to the conifers. Only three species are being used, totaling 139 trees. There needs to be a larger mix of species used to protect against pest/pathogen infestations that could seriously damage such a large quasi- monoculture planting. The developer should consult the Ramsey Tree Book to determine other preferred/acceptable conifers that can also be used. : To a lesser extent, the same concern exists regarding the deciduous trees. Either the Red Maple or the Northwoods Maple should be removed from the species palette and substituted with another acceptable/preferred species from the Ramsey Tree Book (this is because both are Red Maples and would constitute roughly 30% of the overstory deciduous plantings). The same can be applied to the ornamental trees. Roughly 50% of the ornamental trees belong to the Malus genus (the crabapples). At least one of the Malus species should be replaced with another species or an additional ornamental species should be added to the species palette. Again, the Ramsey Tree Book should be referenced to determine preferred and/or acceptable species. The City needs to receive and approve a revised set of landscaping plans addressing the concerns stated above. The revised plans shall indicate, at a minimum, species, size and quantity. It should be noted that while the minimum number of plantings may not be met, there are still a couple areas throughout the site in which additional trees could be installed. Screening: The R-2 district stipulates that a thirty (30) foot wide bufferyard be included anywhere that a proposed higher density zoning district abuts a lower density zoning district. The area to be developed, as part of this plat does not directly abut any lower density areas except in the north-central area of the development site. In that particular case, a wetland and drainage pond will abut the rear of the Pineview Estates 2nd Addition PUD. The rear half of the lots in the Pineview Estates 2nd Addition allow for, and in fact contain, commercial uses. Therefore, no additional screening will be required. 28