05/30/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Donlin explained that the plan appeared to be a cookie cutter approach and the Board wanted to encourage conservation planning. Mr. Schmidt responded there were six houses on 28 acres, and the development had to occur around those. He noted there was no tree preservation ordinance. Asleson indicated there was no ordinance, but there was a policy. Mr. Schmidt responded his goal to keep as many trees as possible was acceptable to the City, and to the potential residents. He agreed with the age diversity concept and explained he wanted to work with people. Bluebill Ponds was graded, but he did not want to match it because he will lose trees. Mr. Schmidt noted that many species could be relocated. A discussion of the concept of conservation subdivision was discussed, with various members holding differing definitions of the concept. Asleson recommended the Board begin with what the site could support and go from there. Mr. Schmidt suggested the City make an ordinance. He predicted trouble with developers if 50% of the land was to be saved and cited the housing shortage. He believed the large areas needed to be preserved, not the small areas. Donlin pointed out that both could occur if the development was reconfigured. Mr. Schmidt stated the fire department did not want narrower streets and the City Planners did not want smaller lots. Smyser confirmed the statement. Mr. Schmidt urged the members of the Board to visit his past sites in St. Michael and in Brooklyn Park. He noted the St. Michael site was the most successful development except for one other with houses priced $150,000 and higher. The Brooklyn Park site moved 450 Spruce and Norway pine, and planted hardwoods and wildflower gardens. The developer has submitted a tree inventory list with the species indicated. It appears that the inventory sheet is incomplete relative to the survey map. I have included a CIR (color infra red) comparison image so that you may see for yourself where the pine trees and where the oak forests are located. I have used the Lois Lane area (oak forest), and the area immediately to the north of the Lois Lane Development(pine forest) as a visual indicator of the color characteristics of both species. I have asked our engeneering department to evaluate the groundwater/basement elevation relationships for this site. The recommendation previously was to build a different type of house in some of the areas to prevent a "clearcut" development. I do not have this information at the time of writing this report. This may be a situation where tree (native) replacement may be appropriate, if different house types are not possible.