1997 Planning Commission Packets

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P1aQning Commission Re�oort 5ilver Lake Corr�ons Development Review Plxnniug Case No. 4�7-97 June 18, 1997 Page 4 If flowering �rabapple trees are to be used, th� species should not b� either sparki�r or radiartt which are s�asceptible to disease. (The proposed species on the revised plan is Spring Sno� Crabappte.} Pin oalcs should be changed io red oak or bicoior oak. Regal elm (on revised pIa.n) shoeald be chan�ed ta Hackberry. Stai� has a number of concer�s with �he ptantings proposed ort the site, which are described belaw. We will have a diagram at the meeting to illus�rate how we feel the plan needs to be revised. t�rborvitae edge along Highway 10 was intended to screen the view of the parking Iot from th� highway, but it is not very well anchored alon� the frontage. {Iis position appears to be random and not well�related to the buiid�ng frontage.) 5taff suggests that a grove of trees be planted beiw�en the tvvo e�isting apartmeni buildiz�gs on ei�h�r side of the �valkway to �et the same effect_ Plantings of spruc� and crabapple sho�ald then b� plar�ted on either end o�the Highway 10 frontage ac�d on either side of the driveway, to create "6rackets" for that frontage and ideniity for the project. The iilacs along the south half of the I-�i�hway 20 frontage were intended as screening, b�a� siaff is concemed that they will grow so high, ihey will apppear to create a walied "compound" look ta the development. 'UVe would suggest lower growing, dense shrubs that `' would provide an edge, keep childrer� off the highway, but a.lsa heautify �he site. The twa blue spruce in the center wauld be moved, and additional trees added in groupings at either end of the frontage. We r�ill be asking the City Forester for some suggestions on types of shrubs wlxich will do well in this confined space. There needs to be some type of fencing aIong the Highway 10 edge where it ahuts the existing apartment buildings. �Ie have been ta.11dng with the applicant abaui �he overaIi Highway 10 design therzke, and that we expect it to include a bike path and fencing. vVe have also talked with MnDOT about entering into a iicense agreemenfi to allow us� of some of the lughway right�of-way. They appear receptive. We are trying to avoid the situation where we require fencing from the applicant and then later have the City ir�stall fencing as part af the Highway 10 design therne. Staff continues to be concemed, however, that fencing is needed along this stretch bec�use oi the number of chiidren in the existing apartmenis and the frequent occasions when ciuldren are observed playing in the front Iaw�x area with rao separation �om Highway 1Q. The wood fence along the back property 1°uie needs to be e�ended further toward Fastwood to screer� the four parking spaces nexi to the 4-ur�a building. The arborvitae edge along th� chaira link fence needs �io be anchored an either end with crabapple trees, or a combination of crabapple and spruce. Th� City Forester has said tl�at the species proposed is suitabl� for cre�tin� � hed�e effect a.�d for providing screening.