Review Landscape Plan for The Station Preliminary Plat Located at the 7200 Block of Ramsey Parkway in The COR (Project No. 16-09); Case of D.R. Horton, Inc.

The City has received an application for Preliminary Plat review for a seventy-seven (77) unit townhome development within The COR.  The development would complete the build-out of units on land owned by D.R. Horton within The COR.

The Landscape Plan includes boulevard plantings along all four (4) existing roads that border the project site as well as internal plantings in the form of shrubs and trees.  The proposed species and planting plan are generally acceptable with comments outlined in the attached Technical Memorandum. 

The surrounding built environment has an established design pattern for sidewalk infrastructure.  In order to maintain a consistent look and feel with the surrounding infrastructure, the proposed sidewalk width of five (5) feet is acceptable.  The proposed boulevard width appears to comply with the minimum standards of the COR Design Framework, which is six (6) feet, with the exception of the existing boulevard along Rhinestone St.  Again though, for consistency purposes, the reduced boulevard area where the infrastructure already exists, is acceptable.

There are no significant trees on site and thus, a tree inventory and preservation plan is not applicable.

The project site was not identified as having any significant natural areas based on the City's Natural Resources Inventory (NRI).

There are not necessarily any specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) proposed with this project.  However, the proposal does include the establishment of xeric and mesic native grasses and wildflowers around the proposed stormwater pond.  This will break up the traditional turf grass establishment, add in more seasonal interest, and will also create a pollinator friendly landscape feature as well. Additionally, stormwater volume requirements have already been accommodated through the regional stormwater system for The COR, which created a pre-development best management practice and economy of scale. This system is what created The Draw Park and Amphitheater area. Additionally, the City is working on a regional solutions/best management practice for the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization's rate reduction/infiltration requirement. This will come in the form of a future City Improvement Project.  

The applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request.

Recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the Technical Memorandum.