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<br />transition landscaping in a timely manner. Similar plantings were required for Brookfield 1 st <br />. Addition, which have not yet been installed. Staff continues to work with the applicant to meet <br />this requirement. To streamline this process for the 4th Addition, staff is recommending that the <br />building permits for Block 2 not be issued until all the density transition landscaping for this <br />phase is fully installed and accepted. Staff is also recommending that a 2-year maintenance <br />surety be collected to insure the survival of the initial plantings. Staff is also recommending that <br />a: landscape easement be recorded over the plantings along Block 2 and dedicated to the Home <br />Owners Association for Brookfield, to further protect these plantings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked if there were any problems with the landscaping for Brookfield 2nd <br />and 3rd Additions, or why the City has to use muscle to ensure that the density transitioning is <br />done. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon replied it is part of a large issue that over the years <br />the City has utilized landscaping for density transitioning; sometimes it works well and <br />sometimes not so well. Staff has learned that once they require some types of density <br />transitioning there is nothing to ensure that a subsequent property owner does not take it down. <br />The landscape easement is an attempt to try to do that. In one development in River Pines a <br />resident cut down trees, and there is the potential that could occur. Staff wants to be sure that <br />density transitioning is attained. They also want to tie it to the building permit to be sure it is <br />installed in a timely manner to be sure that prior to neighbors appearing next door there is some <br />screening and berming. TIris is something new staff is trying to adhere to. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen requested clarification that there will not be any building permits issued <br />until this is done. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon replied that is the case on Block 2 on the south side <br />of 167th Crossing where it abuts the existing property owner to the south. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated she appreciates staff thinking more collectively on how to <br />accomplish the density transition issue. She asked if there is any opportunity to enhance the <br />landscaping with any type of bernUng and grading of the topography so the plantings are up a <br />little bit higher. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon replied this is something staff can look at; <br />however, these are urban lots with some limited space. On the more eastern part there is some <br />existing tree cover, but Lots 1, 2 and 3 are fairly wide open so this could be looked at. Staff also <br />wants to stay directly in touch with the adjacent property owner to ensure that what is being <br />proposed is sufficient. That will happen as they continue. They will try to explore everything. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen asked if there will be funding set .aside v.ith the Home Owners <br />Association to address the landscaping easement if needed. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon replied he is not sure it the landscape easement by <br />itself will solve someone determining to do something with the landscaping. Staff was looking <br /> <br />City Council / August 28, 2007 <br />Page 9 of 33 <br /> <br />P57 <br />