Agenda - Council - 09/09/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Pedestrian Connections 151st Lane is not a through street and, along with Quicksilver Street, has no sidewalks. A multi -use trail is present adjacent to the site along Nowthen Boulevard. During sketch plan review, several neighbors noted that the bend in 151st Lane can limit sight distances for both walkers and drivers sharing the roadway. The applicant will be responsible for constructing a sidewalk along the north side of 151st Avenue along these six lots, tying into the Nowthen Boulevard trail. The sidewalk would end mid -block with a standard pedestrian ramp to the street. This would allow people walking on 151st Lane to get out of the roadway around the bend. Natural Resources and Landscape Plan From the Enviromental Policy Board's August 18 report, it was noted that the submittal did include a Tree Inventory and Preservation. The site consists primarily of red cedar and mixed oaks, with some scattered willows, maples, pines, and ash. There are a total of 2,800 DBH inches of significant trees on site and the inventory indicates that 1,006 DBH inches will be removed (equivalent to removing approximately 36% of the significant tree DBH inches). The percentage is actually lower though, as the trees being removed for the stormwater basin are exempt from the removal threshold. As proposed, this project will be in full compliance with the City's tree preservation standards. Staff did add a review comment to the Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan noting that, depending on the timing of tree removal, precautionary steps may be needed to protect against the introduction of Oak Wilt. Typically, in the R-1A Single Family Residential District, the required landscaping would consist of two (2) front yard trees, four (4) inches of topsoil over all areas disturbed that are not going to be finished with impervious surfacing (e.g. house, driveway, walkways, etc.), and turf establishment. Existing trees preserved on site can offset planting requirements, assuming they are located in the front yard. However, while the site is certainly exceeding the minimum threshold of DBH inches retained on site, none of the preserved trees will be in the front yard. Staff will continue to work with the Applicant on the Landscape Plan. Storm Water Management The property generally slopes down in the back yards of the proposed lots and storm water is directed westward. Proposed are a swale along the north and storm water management basin at the northwest comer of the site. Generally, storm water for the neighborhood flows northwesterly into a wetland complex. The Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) will be reviewing the storm water plan in accordance with their rules at an upcoming meeting. Notification: Mailed notices were sent to property owners within 700 feet of the site. A "proposed development" sign was placed on the property. A legal notice was placed in the August 15 Anoka Union Herald Newspaper. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Alternatives to consider: 1. Approve of the preliminary plat as recommended by the Planning Commission. 2. Approve of the preliminary plat with any modifications that are appropriate. 3. Deny the preliminary plat based on certain findings. Funding Source: All costs associated with the proposed development are the responsibility of the applicant. Some, but not all, of the development fees were paid with the street assessment when 151st Lane was constructed in the mid-1990s. Recommendation: At its meeting on August 28, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat.