2004-03-16_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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for the overall enjoyment of the community and continue to serve as an integral environmental resource. The high, steeply sloped and wooded pond (0.7 acres) in the western portion of the Armory site is the largest pond and consumes 3.3 acres of the site. The waters edge is at approximately 888 elevation, while the slopes to the southeast and northwest climb to 913, a vertical difference of 25 feet. A walking path or other passive recreational uses is not encouraged around this area of the pond. However, the Guptil site pond is much more level and should be enhanced to include a walking path with benches for public enjoyment. This pond was believed to have been created when the northeast portion of the Armory site was leveled and seeded as a ball field in the 1930’s. The City is working with the watershed district in evaluating the -reconstruction of the natural water flow in this area.This may include elongating the pond, creating additional buffer area for development. It has been apparent from the beginning of the planning process that some public open space must be retained in this study area to serve the immediate needs of the existing and new neighborhood residents. Roseville’s Parks and Recreation System Plan and staff do not identify this area or the Armory as a “Park Facility or Neighborhood Park” area since McCarrons Lake Park, Villa Park, Tamarack Park and the new Reservoir Woods parks are within walking distance and are considered programmed neighborhood parks for the area. However, it is important to retain some public open space “amenity” for existing nearby high-density and single family development and for new housing proposed for the immediate area. The public open space could be incorporated within or in cooperation with the Armory and the Galilee Church as well as the Guptil new development. This could, in part, be improved and financed by the development and remain public space for the entire community’s use. The Phase I area is planned to place the lower density residential use such as townhomes closer to the existing neighborhood to the north and to include the open space between the townhomes and the higher density housing such as condominiums or senior rental to the south. For-sale townhomes (6 units) or small lot single family homes (4 units) are recommended for the north side of the site closer to the wetland and a small open space area. Single or multi-level townhomes would attract young professionals or empty nesters having no interest in yard maintenance. Such townhomes are considered an “affordable” purchase or rental alternative to single-family homes. The small lot single family home option can serve as a first-time home purchase option similar to the homes proposed for Applewood Court. The largest component on the site includes a higher-density condo project or senior apartment building with a front face on McCarrons Boulevard across from the existing McCarrons Apartments. It is estimated that a three-story building could accommodate approximately 36-42 units with underground parking.Sophisticated designs for condo or apartment uses are a more appropriate level of density near existing higher-density housing, church and business uses in part because their building mass can help reduce the noise and light impacts from business areas. Another option evaluated would be 12-three level townhomes with tuck under garages. This type of product is very popular in Roseville and with the site features would be easy to sell. DRAFT MARCH 10, 2004 16