12-20-2006 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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No future connection has been proposed for the properties to the east or west. While neither property is currently planned for development, the City's policy is to be proactive in planning connections between residential neighborhoods. Staff recommends that the plan be revised to show at least one potential connection to neighboring properties at a location that would facilitate reasonable access. Open Space. One common open space area is proposed for the site, located in the southwest corner, in the City of Maplewood. This open space area is 2.2 acres in area. Two smaller open space areas are proposed, one in the southwest corner of the Little Canada portion of the site, and one in the southeast corner of the Little Canada portion. Both smaller open space areas contain stormwater ponds. Outlot 2 is proposed at .69 acres, and Outlot 3 is proposed at .44 acres. Tree Preservation. The entire site currently contains dense tree cover. Staff is concerned that the proposed construction may require a great deal of clear cutting on the site, preserving only those few trees which lie around the site perimeter. A tree inventory shall be required at development stage, providing the specific number of trees proposed to be removed. Staff recommends that all units be designed to have a minimal impact on the existing tree cover, particularly trees in the front yard spaces of the project. The Comprehensive Plan states that the attractiveness of the East Portion of Little Canada shall be enhanced through a continuing program of civic beautification, including tree plantings and other measures that will promote an aesthetically pleasing environment. In this regard, every effort should be made to preserve as many trees as possible. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION The concept plan under review has been revised from the original 41 -unit detached townhome concept reviewed in October. Per the direction of the Planning Commission and City Staff, the applicant has submitted a revised plan, greatly reducing the density of the site. While the proposed project is an improvement from the original, a number of issues must be still be considered. The applicant has not provided access to adjoining properties. The proposed lot widths for Lots 7, 8, and 9 do not meet the minimum requirement for the R -1 District, and a number of trees may need to be removed to accommodate the construction of the public street and single family homes. The large portion of common open space reserved for the site lies within another jurisdiction. The proposed project is located in an area designated for low density residential land uses. The proposed density is consistent with low density residential development. The proposed use appears to be consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan, which designates this site for low density residential land uses. 3