pf_02355 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

calibre Ridge Partnership, Case No. 2355 Page 5 Another important issue in considering the appropriateness of the use is the character of the development internally, and how it will work as a place for families to live and grow. The site is somewhat isolated, as noted above, with only two access points, both at the eastern edge of the property. However, the units are designed to provide adequate open space surrounding all units, well-placed parking areas, play areas for the children in protected areas, and a trail that will connect all parts of the development to the Rice street and Minnesota Avenue accesses, keeping children off the internal private street as much as possible. The landscaping is generous and varied, including individual treatment at each unit entry. Landscapinq The Landscape Plan provides overstory boulevard planting, as well as a variety of evergreen and ornamental trees throughout the proj ect. the buildings also have plantings at each uni t entryway, consisting of ornamental shrubs and an overstory tree or a trellis with vines. There are two important edges in terms of landscape treatment: the Highway 36 frontage and the west edge with the existing neighbors. Both have been handled well, in our opl.nl.on, and the landscape architect has responded to our suggestions. Highway 36 will be the main public view of the project. The site slopes down toward the highway and there will be an exposed foundation and retaining walls at this southern edge of the project (see Sheet A3, Elevation Bldg NO.4). This edge will be landscaped wi th ash, maple, and crab trees, spruce and sumac, providing an attractive view of the development. The west edge toward the two single family homes has a proposed a-unit building within 20' of the rear lot line. There is existing vegetation is this back yard, but an additional eight Austrian pine have been added along this lot line to provide an adequate screen. These trees will also be larger than required when planted; they are called out as a' - 10' in height on the Landscape Plan, as opposed to 7' a' for the rest of the site. The City design standards only require 6' minimum height for evergreen trees. Also at this rear yard is the basketball court, which is again screened by existing trees, plus 3 proposed spruce trees. As noted below in discussion of engineering issues, the existing utility easement through the property may have to be widened, eliminating three of the overstory trees on the south side of the main drive. If this is the case, the applicant is prepared to add smaller landscaping to enhance this area, but which will not pose a problem for future utility maintenance work.