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8 “Frenchman Village” Sketch Plan The developer is proposing meandering trails connecting to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail along the ditch. This would provide a scenic and desirable recreational amenity. There are other connections to the trail proposed in the development. There is a trail on the west side of Fenway Avenue North in the Oneka Estates neighborhood to the south. According to the Existing and Proposed Trails Map, this trail is planned to be extended to Frenchman Avenue with the extension of the roadway and is included in the sketch plans. Additionally, the planned trail on the south side of Frenchman Avenue is included in the sketch plans. Sidewalks have been constructed along both sides of Victor Path, which should continue as it goes west of the roundabout. Park dedication is required for all residential development. The land dedication requirement percentage goes up as the residential density goes up. In lieu of land dedication, the Parks Commission could recommend the fee of $3,400 be paid per unit. The developer has a proposed park shown on the plan. Generally, the park is in a good location. The park does not show any amenities such as playground equipment. The area where the park is located is unclear how much usable space is provided. The land dedication shall be usable land for the Parks Commission to give credit for park dedication. The park improvements and dedication proposal should be further evaluated by staff and the Parks Commission for the needs in the area. The Parks Commission staff report is attached. Landscaping and Screening The plan shows placement of some existing trees, particularly along the ditch to the south, and some new landscaping within the gathering spaces and along the streets. Staff recommends landscaping within the roundabout and around the monument sign at the main entrance creating a feel that you’re entering the development. The ditch to the south has several mature trees along the edges. Ditches get maintained periodically which includes removal trees. The applicant should install additional landscaping along the south side of the property to provide screening/buffers, in case the trees are removed with ditch maintenance. As the project moves forward a full landscape plan meeting the ordinance regulations will be required. The sketch plan is proposing to have residential development along CSAH8/Frenchman Road. The applicant is proposing to have a 5 foot tall berm and landscaping for a buffer from the street to the residential development. They are also showing a decorative fence on the berm. It’s in staff’s opinion that a berm and significant landscaping can be a good buffer by pulling the proposed lots away from the street. The lots are located approximately 50 feet from the street. Streets and Access Generally, the proposed access locations and street locations meet the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. Washington County plans show future traffic signals at the prosed access points along CSAH 8/Frenchman Road at Fenway Boulevard and Oneka Parkway. Developer contributions to the cost of the traffic signals will be considered with the development of the property.