Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/16/2021

Home

Environmental Policy Board (EPB) 5. 2. Meeting Date: 08/16/2021 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Consider Natural Resources Aspects of Site Plan and Plat for G-Will Liquors Purpose/Background: The City has received applications for Site Plan review and Final Plat from Rademacher Companies, Inc. (the "Applicant") for a proposed new G-Will Liquors retail store, located at 15415 Saint Francis Boulevard (the "Subject Property"). Observations/Alternatives: General Project Overview The Subject Property is approximately 21 acres in size and the subdivision would create two (2) parcels, one about 3 acres in size (site of the proposed retail store) and the other about 18 acres. The Subject Property has a split zoning of B-1 General Business and R-2 Residential (Medium Density). The proposed subdivision mirrors the boundaries of the split zoning. The proposed building, which will be on the 3 acre parcel, would be approximately 12,000 square feet in size, with access gained from Alpine Drive. There are no formal plans for the northern portion of the Subject Property at this time. Natural Resources Inventory The City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) identifies the souther portion of the Subject Property as an Altered/Non-Native plant community. The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) identifies the southern portion of the Subject Property as Dry Grassland. Much of this area has been used as pasture for horses over the years. The NRI classifies portions of the northern part of the Subject Property (again, no current plans for redevelopment at this time) as Altered/Non-Native (includes both wetland area and upland), but also includes a Moderate Quality Oak Woodland-Brushland plant community. Wetlands and Floodplain The southern portion of the Subject Property does not appear to contain any wetlands. There are two wetlands on the northern portion that are reflected on the Plat. Both of these wetlands will need to be encumbered with drainage and utility easements out at least sixteen and a half feet (16.5') from the delineated boundary to serve as a wetland setback. There does not appear to be any floodplain areas within the Subject Property. Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan The submittal did include an inventory of existing significant trees on the southern portion of the Subject Property. Since there is no proposal for the northern portion presently, there is no need for that data at this time (will be required if/when a redevelopment proposal comes forward). More details are required, including a table that specifies species, DBH, remove/save status, and, if a tree is being removed, a brief description of why (e.g. mass grading, stormwater pond, etc.). As proposed, all existing significant trees are to be removed, which will require reforestation. However, without the additional details, it is unknown whether the proposed landscaping satisfies the reforestation requirement or not. Landscape Plan The proposed species and sizes are all acceptable. The plan provides for a mix of shade trees, ornamental trees, and