12/13/2000 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Dellwood/LLC December 13, 2000 page 2 Because of several design issues, we expect the project will be a planned development. Transportation: Apollo Drive would be extended east of Lake Drive, connecting to 77th St. The developer is seeking an additional Lake Drive access between Apollo and 77th St. A traffic study by the City's engineers is underway. Preliminary results indicate that the additional access may be possible with specified improvements to Lake Drive such as road widening, turn lanes, and traffic signals. The City will examine ways to prevent retail traffic from using 77th St. and Carole Drive through the existing neighborhood. Utilities: Public sewer and water available in Lake Drive. The large amount of impervious surface means stormwater management for water quality is an important issue on the site. Staff is discussing options for infiltration and other creative measures of addressing the issue. Natural Features: An existing wetland would be impacted on the eastern portion of the site to allow for the Target building and parking. As noted above, stormwater management for water quality is an important issue on the site. Most of the high quality oak forest area is along the freeway south of this site, though some oaks are on this property. Pedestrian Elements: Staff is working with the design team to incorporate internal pedestrian circulation elements. That is, the possibility of a landscaped pedestrian route along the fronts of the buildings, around the edges of the internal parking lots. This could include landscaping and possibly "streetscape" elements such as special pavement. Staff has made it clear that connections to future trails along Lake Drive are also important. Green Space: Staff has urged the designers to include green islands in the large parking lots, especially the Target lot. This could include trees along a walkway leading to the two entries. It could include stormwater infiltration elements with landscaping. The design of the entries to the site could accommodate larger green areas, though the Apollo Drive/Lake Drive area is owned by a different developer. Environmental Assessment Worksheet: The size of the project will require an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). This is a study of the potential for environmental impacts. The EAW process is defined by state law. Typically, the developer prepares the EAW and submits it to the City. The City is responsible for the content of the document, so staff will examine the document carefully. The City Council will approve it for distribution. There will be a 30 -day comment period, after which the City Council decides if the project warrants a larger Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is a very large study which is rarely needed.