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approval of it. They did note that they wanted to make sure that there would not be overcrowding of trees <br />between the buildings and public roads. Staff has noted that the Landscape Plan should or could be revised <br />to eliminate the proposed trees between the sidewalks and buildings or possibly relocate some of them to <br />the interior greenspace. This would retain the boulevard tree plantings, which is in line with what the <br />Design Framework emphasizes. <br />Architecture <br />There has been much discussion with the Planning Commission regarding the architecture for this project. <br />Initially, in March of 2022, there was discussion about front porches versus covered patios. When the <br />Sketch Plan was reviewed, Staff recommended, and the Planning Commission supported, adding stone or <br />brick elements to the fronts and sides of the buildings facing a public road. This recommendation was <br />based on the significant emphasis on architecture within the Design Framework. More specifically, the <br />Design Framework states that a greater emphasis should be given to architectural elements, materials, and <br />design features for buildings that face or front parks and that architecture is to be '4-sided' at all locations <br />visible from public areas (e.g. public streets). Based on the greater emphasis on architecture within The <br />COR, coupled with the fact that this project also overlooks The Draw, Staff and the Planning Commission <br />recommend the addition of brick and/or stone elements on the fronts and sides of buildings facing a public <br />road. <br />At the Public Hearing, the Applicant stated that they are not opposed to the enhanced architecture being <br />recommended by Staff. They had noted when this project was initially being discussed almost a year ago, <br />construction prices were much higher than today, which was a factor in not including brick or stone on any <br />of the elevations. The Applicant stated that they could look at incorporating enhanced features on the <br />public -facing sides of buildings, but were hoping for some flexibility should the material prices skyrocket <br />again. Subsequently, the Applicant has provided updated elevations that do include brickwork on the <br />fronts of buildings and informed Staff that this enhancement might increase the per unit cost by $2,500 to <br />$5,000. Np brick is shown on the side elevations, however. <br />The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on February 23, 2023 and reviewed the Preliminary Plat. <br />There were no written or verbal comments received regarding the project. The Planning Commission <br />supported the project contingent upon enhancing the exterior finish of the buildings facing a public street <br />with brick or stone elements. <br />Alternatives <br />Alternative L• Motion to adopt Resolution #23-042 approving the Preliminary Plat contingent upon adding <br />brick and/or stone finishes to all sides of buildings that face a public road (this would include the fronts and <br />one side of multiple buildings) in accordance with the COR Design Framework. Aside from the <br />architecture, the proposed Preliminary Plat generally complies with the standards of the Design <br />Framework, with minor revisions needed as noted in the Staff review comments. The Planning <br />Commission and Staff support this alternative. <br />Alternative 2: Motion to adopt Resolution #23-042 approving the Preliminary Plat with modifications as <br />specified by City Council. <br />Alternative 3: Motion to deny the Preliminary Plat based on specific findings identified by City Council. <br />The Preliminary Plat generally conforms with the Design Framework and City Code, with the necessary <br />revisions noted in Proj ectDox. Staff does not support this alternative. <br />Funding Source: <br />All costs associated with this application are the Applicant's responsibility. <br />Recommendation: <br />