04/25/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff explained detailed plans had been submitted for sanitary sewer, water and storm water management. The City Engineer had reviewed the information submitted. With respect to natural features, there was a large wetland located on the eastern portion of the site that was proposed to be impacted. There were 752 trees on the site and 566 of those were significant based on their size and species. The grading proposed on the site would result in the removal of 437 significant trees for a total of 458 trees. Most of the trees on the property were concentrated in around the wetland or on the southwest portion of the site. The site design had incorporated a sidewalk layout along Apollo Drive and throughout the site along the storefronts. There were sidewalk connections shown at both accesses proposed with Lake Drive. Additionally, different pavement treatments were proposed at significant crossing points within the development. Green space on the site was concentrated around the perimeter of the site and surrounding ponding and wetland areas. The landscaping plan called for plantings within parking lots along drive aisles and surrounding the site. The overall plan was well done and provided a variety of plantings. Some plantings were shown within MnDOT right -of -way, which would require cooperation from MnDOT. The critical portion of the landscaping proposed was along the northern edge of the site, which was adjacent to existing residential lines. The plan as proposed would provide a visual break, but it would not provide a complete screen. Staff explained the exterior of the buildings were proposed to be a combination of masonry materials including brick and rockface block with EIFS (stucco) sign bands and accenting. The decorative rock elements included standing seam metal that complemented the roof designs in existing Town Square buildings. Awnings were proposed over the storefront areas. The Target Superstore used a combination of brick and stucco on the front which transitions to stucco and rockface block on the sides. The rear elevation was proposed to be painted CMU (concrete masonry unit). With the surrounding land uses, more attention needed to be paid to the architecture on the rear of the buildingAft It would be very visible from 77th Street. There was a screen wall shown on the rear of the building, but materials to be used were not identified. This should be constructed of materials to match the building and should be of sufficient height to screen the dock area. Trash enclosures had not been identified on the site plan. The applicant had proposed the City accept outlots that included ponding and right -of -way in lieu of park dedication. This would not be consistent with City Ordinance or policy. Cash fees in lieu of land dedication should be provided at the rate in effect at the time of the final plat. Based on the size of the proposed project, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet was mandatory. This process was designed to identify significant environmental effects that may require a more detailed environmental impact statement. The sign Ordinance allowed one pylon sign per street frontage, up to 200 square feet, with 25% of the sign designated for the Center name. The applicants were proposing two pylon signs with a sign face of 285 square feet plus the center name, which was approximately 35 square feet in area. On the retail buildings, wall signs were proposed over each tenant space and on the rear of the buildings. Staff did not support signs on the rear of the building unless it was incorporated into some enhanced design. The Target facility proposed a number of signs on three sides of the building. There was no signage proposed on the rear of Target. The total square footages allowed were based on the wall area; up to 20% of the wall area or 100 square feet, whichever was less. In this case, the wall areas were very large and 100 square feet was not adequate area for signage. The front of the building was approximately 9836 sq. ft. in area, which allowed up to 1967 sq. ft. of signage. Target was proposed to have a total of 1320 square feet of signage on the front elevation, which was within the 20% allowed. Hapxa_& Psxpsaraov_Boap5 Xtri oqi Aivo Aaxso- 12