Agenda - Council - 02/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey Municipal Center - Final Site Plan February 18, 2005 Page 2 of 5 the property line. '['here are. several factor'S that. may imitigate the effect of the larger setback that should be considered during the variance d!scussion;: One is the creation of the public plaza at the front entrance along Sunwood Drive. These types~ of spaces are encouraged as part of the Town Center Development Guidelines. The second factor regards the placement of the building. In order to make the building architecturally interesting, the MuniciPal Center will be curved and not have a long flat, monolithic wall along SunWood Drive. In addition, where the building is Pulled back on Sunwood Drive, raised landscaped areas will :be brough~ uP to the lot line that will to some extent feel like an extension of the building. The TCTAC has re¥iewedthe layout of the bUilding and was supportive of a variance to allow for the building to be pulled ~back as shown. The group believes that pull-back of the buildings provides for some visual relief While still engaging the pedestrian and the design works well for the use of the building. On JanUary 6, 2005, the Ramsey Board of AdjuStment granted a variance to the setback requirements inthe TC-1 :Zoning District. Utilities: The facility will ibe served by municipal sewer and water facilities. Staff has reviewed the final utility plans submitted for the project and~have~ the following comments: · Provide details on the Water QUality Treatment'Structures. · Provide sizing worksheet for storm sewerlpiPing. · Verify sizing, locations and inverts of roof drains from building. · Show connection for landscape irrigation System. Stub was pro¥ided from Sunwood drive. · Provide watermain details on plans. · The city requires all rings and caStings on ~all manholes and catch basins be wrapped with water proof material. See city standard details. Please submit revised plans reflecting these comments. Landscaping: A revised landscaping plan, dated February 14, 2005, has been submitted. The overall number of plantings, including both trees and shrubs, exceeds the minimum requirements of City Code. Furthermore, all species including in the planting schedule are considered to be acceptable/preferred as outlined in the Ramsey Tree Book. However, Staff is still concerned about the lack of sPecies diversity regarding the shrubs. A larger mix of species would be preferred to buffer against possible pest/pathogen outbreaks. Also, Staff would like to see at least a couple large-growing coniferous species incorpOrated into the site. Possibilities may include but are not neceSsarilY limited to Balsam Fir, White Spruce, or American larch. Staff is unable to comment regarding :the five (5).plantings along Sunwood Dr. At this time, the streetscape species along Sunwood Dr has' yet to be determined. Finally, there is some concern regarding the grOwing; space for the southern most tree along Sapphire St. The width of the island may need to be increased to satisfy a planting area of at least 162 square feet.