05-28-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The proposed side - loading garages are a desirable part of the project because they provide architectural variety and reduce the number of garage doors facing the street. We have concerns, however, about the dimensions provided and recommend that revisions be made to allow cars to park in front of the garages and to allow easier vehicle maneuvering. The driveways should have at least 20 feet of driveway length in front of the garages for vehicle parking. There should be enough space for vehicles to be parked in the driveway of one unit and, at the same time, allow a vehicle from the neighboring unit to come and go. A turn -out area that extends for a short distance between the buildings will probably be necessary to accomplish this. The proposed parallel parking stalls are eight feet wide and 21 feet long. The stalls should be revised to be at least 8'6" wide and at least 23 feet long to be consistent with the City's parking standards. Landscaping. A landscape plan has been submitted that includes a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials. We recommend providing additional shrub plantings along the east boundary of the property to provide some backyard privacy for the townhomes in that area. An irregular row pattern of shrubs, such as is proposed between the backs of townhomes south of the primary internal street, is recommended. A mixture of deciduous and evergreen shrubs with a mature height of at least six feet is recommended for year - round screening. We also recommend adding landscaping along the southwest property lines where proposed plantings are minimal. Plantings here should include a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs similar to the plantings along the east property line. The landscaping in front of Building 14 needs to be revised because trees are indicated on top of driveways. A plan showing typical foundations plantings has also been provided. In the foundation plan one of the interior units has three shrubs along the garage but the other interior unit has only perennials. The plan should be revised so each unit has at least three shrubs along a garage wall. In areas where driveways for two units are located side -by -side without a separation, the paving is 44 feet wide. To lessen the visual impact of this large expanse of paving, we recommend adding a planting bed between the driveways for at least half the length of the driveway. Pondinq. A pond is proposed near the middle of the project. The association will be responsible for the aesthetic improvements in the pond, such as landscaping or a fountain. The City will be responsible for the drainage function. A landscape plan must be submitted for the pond that matches the water elevation with the planting plan. An association water source must be provided to fill the pond if the water level gets too low. Pedestrian System. A sidewalk is proposed through the development from Little Canada Road to the mixed -use building. A sidewalk also needs to be added to provide a connection between Little Canada Road and the south property line. This sidewalk would eventually extend to Rice Street when the property to the south is redeveloped. 3