Agenda - Council - 08/27/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The proposed landscaping exceeds the minimum canopy cover requirements outlined in City Code. Plantings consist of a combination of deciduous overstory and ornamental trees, as well as evergreen trees. All species and sizes are acceptable. There will be some bufferyard plantings along the western and northern boundaries of the Subject Property,where it abuts existing, detached single family residential properties. Ground cover will consist of a mixture of standard turfgrass and a native pollinator seed mix. Both are acceptable. However, staff has requested a management plan for the native pollinator mix so that the property management company will have an understanding of what maintenance is needed and when. At the fall 2022 neighborhood meetings, some neighbors on Fourine Street requested a privacy fence be constructed. The applicant is proposing to construct a typical residential privacy fence along the western property line. At the May 28 meeting,the Council asked for additional landscaping along Highway 47 to provide a buffer to the highway for the residents living on that side of the all-ages building. A revised landscape plan excerpt(titled "Landscape Plan-Along Hwy 47") is attached to this report showing 26 evergreen trees being added. Utilities The site is served by existing sanitary sewer and water mains. New utility lines will be extended into the site to serve the new buildings. An existing sanitary sewer and water main at the north end of the site will be relocated (a public hearing will be scheduled for that at the time of final plat approval). Plat The site is currently one large platted parcel. A new plat will subdivide the property into lots for each of the apartment buildings,the existing Church, and the townhomes. Two parcels will be created for the park dedication. Park Dedication Park dedication will be satisfied through a combination of land and cash with credit given for certain improvements. Soltice Park is located adjacent to the northwestern portion of the site. This is a neighborhood park with three pedestrian connections to Cobalt, Erkium, and Fluorine Streets. There is no dedicated parking lot, just on-street parking. As noted earlier, a four-space parking area will be constructed at the end of Cobalt Street. A portion of land with a double pickleball court is proposed in the existing clearing at the northwest corner of the site. The site plan shows a walkway between the courts and the internal private roadway. Another connection will need to be made between the courts and the existing trail just north of the property line. The applicant will receive credit for the construction of the parking area, courts, and the park walkways. Those costs will be determined by the Development Agreement as a future step in the process. The parcel shown for the Cobalt Street extension, Outlot B, included excess land extending to St. Francis Boulevard. The land outside of the parking and turn-around areas is not needed. The plat should be revised to show the boundary no more than ten feet from the back of curb to accommodate snow storage. Funding Source: All costs associated with the project are the responsibility of the applicant. The City will collect development fees and park dedication,with credit given for land and improvements. Those fees and charges will be determined at the time of the Development Agreement. The applicant previously requested tax increment financing (TIF) for the project. That request was not supported by the Council. The property is currently exempt from property taxes. The residential portions of the property will be placed back on the tax rolls. Recommendation: