03/12/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board March 12, 1997 Page 12 the project will be driven by landscaping. A commitment has been made to residents to preserve native trees and some of the historical beauty of the area. While the Board does not generally get involved with landscaping, he believes it is mandatory in this case that the Board review and approve landscaping as part of the preliminary plat. Mr. Dunn made a MOTION to include landscaping review by the Planning and Zoning Board as part of the preliminary plat. There was no second, and the motion failed. Mr. Wessel stated that it is inappropriate to tie landscaping to the preliminary plat. It is more appropriately tied to the architecture guidelines that are being administered by the City Town Center Committee. A manual is being prepared by the Town Center Planning Team that will be completed by the end of June. It will be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Board to implement in review of subsequent projects. The guidelines will address landscaping. This preliminary plat is to get the project underway. The architect consultant and landscape architect will approve the landscape design as it develops. Acting Chair Robinson stated that it makes sense to have one landscape architect for the entire project. This will become the focal point of the City, and the best way to develop it is to have one consistent landscape plan for the whole project. Mr. Wessel noted that the two requested variances from the LB zoning district are in compliance with the revised Comprehensive Plan. The first applicant, Fairview Clinic, needs to be open by Fall. Mr. Gelbmann noted that there was a land exchange, and some special restrictions are part of the land identified for this project. He asked if those restrictions have been considered in the preliminary plat. Mr. Wessel stated that the special restrictions imposed by the Metropolitan Council as part of parks and open space are to protect the natural resources and vegetation on the site. There are no special restrictions with this project, but the City has voluntarily taken those concerns into consideration and are part of the landscape plan concept and guidelines. This plat will free two lots for two projects that are ready to develop and is primarily concerned with the land owned by Mr. Glen Rehbein. Mr. Dunn stated that the landscape and architectural control is the fundamental document that will make the project happen correctly. He would like to make sure that this document will be the tool in planning and zoning that will be used for future development requests. Mr. Herr asked if the City is relying on the outlots for immediate drainage needs. 410