06-23-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Memo Page 2 • The District design Principals and building features are similar to those review with the Council several months ago and include: A desire to "fit the landscape." - The building to have a "Nature Center" or "residential feel." Design and build "Green." This will include using the LEED process, but may not include seeking LEED certification. Native plantings throughout the site. Pervious pavement for parking areas. Seek high degree of indoor air quality and use of natural light. - Include education space indoors and out. - Monitor outdoor BMP features. - Include community use space (meetings /education). - Try to achieve zero runoff from the site using green roof, infiltration, and rain gardens. - Seek building operational efficiency through cost effective technology and construction methods. Desire for an outdoor water feature /sculpture for education and as amenity. - Connect site to Gervais Mill Pond Park. • The District has met with the City Administrator and Planner regarding the project and "fitting" the building and parking on the site. It appears there are a number of potential layout options that would work and meet all or most of the setback requirements. The only problems with setback standards and our conceptual layouts appear to be due to the determination that, according to the code, the "front" yard side of the site would be the narrow side on Noel Drive after the bend in the road. Under this interpretation, the "rear yard" setback requirement would be 30 feet under the B -3 zoning and 20 feet under the "Public" zoning. Since this "rear yard" (the west side of the site) is the deepest part of the site and the only potential location for the building, this setback requirement severely constrains the site. We may ask for a variance from this standard for our project. We believe this is a "hardship" condition. • The District has reviewed the "Letter of Understanding" for purchase of the site. We believe we have complied with all the provisions or will comply through our project design. The only condition that needs clarification is the building design acceptability to the City. I have attached several building photos that are of a similar character to what we are trying to achieve through our project. Also attached are two conceptual site layouts that illustrate the building and parking location. It would help in our process if I could get an indication from the Council if this approach appears acceptable and if you encourage us to proceed with the project. If this is a positive response, we would like to schedule the Public Hearing as called for in the Letter of Agreement. By next month we will have additional information on the site and know whether the site conditions favor proceeding with architectural design and engineering. 3