Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/21/2016

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CITY OF RAMSEY LAND USE APPLICATION TECHNICAL REVIEW FILE DATE 3/14/16 PROJECT ADDRESS TBD PROJECT. TITLE THE STATION EscRow # 115142 DEPARTMENT: Community Development: Planning Division (Landscape Plan & Environmental Resources) TECHNICAL REVIEWER: Name: Chris Anderson, City- Planner Phone: 763-433-9817 Email: candersongcityoframsey.com We offer the following comments regarding the Landscape Plan prepared by James R. Hill, Inc. and dated March 7, 2016: • Proposed species are generally acceptable. While Princeton Elm is not specifically identified as a species for Parkway Streets, it is similar in nature to 'Valley Forge' Elm, which is approved for Parkway Streets. Similarly, Common Hackberry is not specified in the COR Design Framework; however, this is a suitable street tree and staff is supportive of its inclusion. • Along Rhinestone St., the boulevard plantings should consist of one (1) or at most two (2) species. If two (2) species are to be installed, they should be in groupings, similar to the layout along Peridot St. • Spacing of boulevard trees shall be thirty-five (35) feet on center. Based on locations of driveways, street lights, fire hydrants, etc., this spacing may be adjusted to avoid future conflicts. The Landscape Plan must be amended accordingly. • No plantings shall be located within the vision clearance triangle as defined within City Code Section 117-348. The Landscape Plan appears to comply with this standard. • Boulevard width shall be at least six (6) feet in width, except where the infrastructure is already constructed (e.g. Rhinestone St.). The Landscape Plan appears to meet or exceed this standard; however, the minimum boulevard width shall be noted on the plan. • While the COR Design Framework specifies a ten (10) foot wide sidewalk along Connector Streets and a six (6) wide sidewalk along Parkway Streets (E. Ramsey Parkway), the surrounding built environment has an established pattern of width of five (5) feet. Thus, to maintain a consistent look and feel, the reduced sidewalk width is acceptable. • The Landscape Plan does state that the boulevards will be improved with sod. However, note that the existing vegetation in the boulevard area along Rhinestone St. will need to be replaced with sod as part of this project. • Boulevard plantings shall be irrigated and shall also be noted on the Landscape Plan.