Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 05/16/2022

Home

Board Member Arts agreed with those comments. Senior Planner Anderson stated that it is not uncommon to see adjustments to the number or quantity of trees on a plan. He stated that the Board could recommend that the required number of plantings be accommodated on site, but there has to be consideration that it would be hard to fit that number of trees without impacting growth characteristics therefore it could be helpful to allow additional plantings on Central Park property. He stated that the trees could be strategically placed in attempt to mitigate concerns raised. Board Member Fetterley stated that the project is working well to meet the guidelines of the City. She stated that they can advocate for trees and the environment the best they can but must consider the rules in place as well. Board Member Hiatt asked if there is a timeline on the reports from engineering and the LRRWMO, as that watershed issue is a key piece in this discussion. Senior Planner Anderson replied that the City staff review should be wrapped up later this week to prepare for the public hearing that will be conducted by the Planning Commission. He noted that after that meeting, the case would be sent to the LRRWMO. He stated that the wetland delineation has been submitted to the LRRWMO for review as well. Board Member Hiatt asked if the City considers stormwater retention an issue in this area currently. Senior Planner Anderson replied that the stormwater management staff person is out of the office, therefore is he unsure if those photos are common. He stated that he does not doubt the statements of the residents but cannot confirm that either without that staff person. Board Member Fetterley referenced the comments related to improvements to 161st and asked for details on that potential project. Senior Planner Anderson replied that if this project is the premise to need to widen 161st, that would fall as a cost to the developer. He stated that the project is in the CIP for a reconstruction for 2024. He stated that there are discussions to perhaps move that to a 2023 project to better correspond with the timing of this project. He stated that improvements that would be needed because of the project (turn lanes, widening, trails) would be a cost of the developer. He stated that the developer is dedicating right-of-way on the north side of 161St, therefore those improvements, if needed, likely would go to the north. Board Member Arts referenced the tree preservation along 161st and supports that. He stated that a trail was mentioned that would remove those plantings. He stated that he would recommend not to put the trail in and instead tie in Central Park to Variolite with sidewalks in order to preserve additional trees. He referenced the northeast portion of the property which shows a lot of tree removal. He believed that preservation of some of those trees would assist in providing apbuffer as well. Senior Planner Anderson commented that there are oaks in that area, which is classified as an oak forest, but there are other species of trees in there as well. Environmental Policy Board / May 16, 2022 Page 6 of 8