Agenda - Planning Commission - 11/03/2005

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The Meadow: Preliminary Plat Review October 28, 2005 $ of.5 9O Streets and Access: The preliminary plat proposes to convert and construct the existing City Hall driveway to Alpine Drive as a public road. Connections to 152~ Lane to the east and 14etium Street to the south are proposed. A future connection is also provided in the southeast corner of the plat near 152all Avenue, though this connection will not be completed at this tim~. The preliminary plat proposes to utilize the existing City Hall access onto Nowthen Blvd. Building will not be permitted on Lot 1, Block 2 and Outlot A until this access is made permanent. Staff has sent the preliminary, plat to Anoka County, for review and comment. The access to Nowthen Boulevard crosses lot 2. An easement must be provided. The pavement section details need to be revised to callout the Ramsey Modified gadation. The specifications need to be modified to read "Class 5 that does not meet the gradation must be replaced or corrected in place, deductions in payment are not acceptable". Utilities: All lots are proposed to be served by mtmicipal sewer and water. The sanitary sewer at the south end of Helium Street and also near the existing access from Alpine Drive have less than 7.5 feet of cover. Insulation will be required. Sanitary Manhole 1.4 appears to have minimal cover until the permanent street connection is made. The inverts, shown on page 5 do not match page 10. Park Dedication: The Park and Recreation Commission reviewed the sketch plan .at their September 2005 meeting. They discussed several options and had the following suggestions: Provide a playground on Lot I, Block 3 adjacent to the fire station. (Chief Rapier was at the meeting and felt this would be appropriate) · Dedicate [and for a park or enlarge the fire station site to provide park space. · Satisfy the remainder of the park dedication in cash. The preliminary plat will be forwarded to the Park and Recreation Commission for a.final recommendation on park dedication. Landscaping Plan: The landscaping plan, dated September 29, 2005, is generally acceptable. However, in addition to the two front yard trees per lot, there should be some additional plantings in the rear of the lots that abut Nowthen Blvd and Alpine Dr (especially considering the number of existing trees that are being removed versus saved). A combination of shrubs, ornamentals and deciduous and coniferous trees should be used. The plantings will help reduce noise and air pollutants, reduce the amount of storm water runoff, and filter out. some of the light glare from vehicles. A revised plan should be submitted that includes additional rear yard plantings. Tree Preservation: The tree preservation plan, dated September 30, 2005, is acceptable. A majority of the existing tree cover is proposed to be removed to facilitate this development. The removals mostly consist of red cedars, red pines, and Siberian elms, none .of which are distinctly unique or merit special status (the Siberian elm is also considered an invasive species).