Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/19/2017

Home

Motion carried. Voting Yes: Board Member Hiatt, Valentine, Anderson, Covart, and Trossen. Voting No: Chairperson Stodola. Absent: Board Member Bernard. 5.04: Consider Natural Resources Elements of Pearson Place Preliminary Plat City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He reported that the purpose of this case is to review various elements of a Preliminary Plat, prepared by Otto Associated and dated May 24, 2017, for a proposed 12 lot residential subdivision near the southern/eastern end of Bowers Drive. He stated that a key decision occurs at Preliminary Plat, in which the layout can be approved, subject to approving final construction plans and Final Plat documents. He noted that the majority of the project area is cropland and thus, there should be minimal impact to trees. He noted that there is a row of trees along Bowers Drive (within the right-of-way) and also in the southeastern corner of the project site (Lot 11, Block 2) but nothing beyond that. He noted that the applicant has verbally stated that the only impacts to existing trees would be from providing access to each lot via a driveway. He provided additional information on the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Areas (MRCCA) and the existing rules, compared to the new State rules that have yet to be adopted by the City. He noted that the developer has proposed a PUD in order to bridge the gap between what is in place currently and what will be in effect after the rules are adopted. He highlighted a strip of heavily wooded area that would be preserved to create a buffer from the existing homes on Bowers Drive. He stated that while the area is within the MUSA, the nearest connection is not close and therefore this development would have lots served by private septic and water service. He stated that the proposed lot sizes would fit the character of the existing homes along Bowers Drive. He noted the exception of the homes directly across the street that have 200-foot lot widths compared to the 100-foot widths proposed in this development. He stated that he proposal appears to avoid removal of any significant trees and noted that the additional trees proposed would exceed the requirements. He stated that at the direction of staff, the developer would provide Outlot C, which could serve as a future road connection should an adjacent parcel develop. Board Member Valentine stated that he does not have any concerns. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he has had a few conversations with people from his neighborhood and their concerns were outlined in the memorandum. He stated that the residents would like to see that buffer preserved and it seems the developer is in favor of that as well. He stated that this appears to be low impact development. He noted that the buffer area is very low quality and is mainly brush. Board Member Hiatt asked why this area has remained undeveloped for this long. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the land has been farmed and is currently farmed. City Planner Anderson confirmed that there is a very thin line of vegetation that acts as a buffer. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps the additional landscaping and development could improve the quality of the existing lots. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the 50-foot buffer is a nice addition to the project. He stated that the neighborhood is talking about creating a discussion with the City to acquire the woods to protect that from development in perpetuity. Environmental Policy Board / June 19, 2017 Page 8 of 10