09/26/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 29, 2001 town. If the project had been completed as the last plat indicated, the City would resemble Oakdale or Lakeville. O'Connell posed the question if the Council reopened the project, would the Environmental Board review it and pass on recommendations. Grochala responded that except for the infiltration issue, the bigger picture with a reduction in the tax rate made it primarily an economic issue for the Council. Asleson stated that the environmental issues were pushed as much as possible. Donlin explained that because the supermarket - discount store merchandise was inexpensive, it could put smaller retailers out of business. Grochala commented on his experience in Cambridge where a large retailer caused a turnover in businesses from town, but the smaller businesses created niches which benefited from the draw the larger store brought to the area. Donlin stated she did not want outsiders coming into town to shop, and other neighbors she spoke with agreed. Another issue would be that low- income housing would be necessary to accommodate the workers. Grochala introduced Tanda Gretz the new Associate ' er for the City. B. Centennial School District/New Elementa Use Permit — Asleson introduced John C Schools, and reviewed the site which is located reviewed the background for the site G • s eluded protection area where the soils were s Isanti wet soils on a floodplain. of Site Review/ Conditional uperintendent for Centennial 4th Avenue and Highway 35W. He ite being located in a lake past, there had been concerns with Chair Lanyon asked if th answered that it did, had since been rero the building and the land. Asleson ay was previously located through the area, but Trehus inquired as t . -' Greenway had been initially proposed. Asleson responded that it was p •o ed in the 1992 City Plan. He continued, the landscape plan showed that there were n " significant trees, however there were many cedars that could be moved. The landscape architect also suggested it. The salt spray from the adjacent highway would inhibit the growth of the cedars, and staff suggested a hardier species would be Colorado Blue Spruce. Infiltration areas were planned in the northwest and there was a recommendation for a study on the surface water treatment. Native plantings were suggested that would be resistant to salt spray. He indicated the school district wanted to preserve the trees on the ends for a shelter break. Chair Lanyon expressed concerns over water treatment and infiltration on site and specifically as it related to the parking area. He suggested water quality issues were straightforward enough for elementary students to grasp, and the district could create a 3