Consider Natural Resources Elements for Greenway Terrace Sketch Plan and Site Plan (Project No. 84); Case of Aeon

The City has received an application for Sketch Plan, Final Plat and Site Plan for Greenway Terrace, a 3-story, fifty-four (54) unit apartment building located on the block bordered by Center Street, 146th Ave, Traprock Street, and Ramsey Parkway (the "Subject Property").  The Plat would subdivide the Subject Property into a buildable lot and an outlot (Developer intends to complete a second phase of the project on the outlot in the future).

The purpose of this case is to review the proposed Landscape Plan for the project.  The COR Design Framework emphasizes landscape improvements for the 'streetscape' and is less prescriptive for the private property. Streetscape elements would include sidewalks, boulevards and boulevard plantings.

Streetscape enhancements are required along 146th Ave, Traprock Street and Ramsey Parkway (at the time of re-platting the outlot into a building lot, which would occur sometime in the future, streetscape improvements will be required along Center Street).  The Landscape Plan is generally acceptable.  The proposed species and sizes are acceptable (with a note regarding shrub size in the review letter). The Staff Review Letter does identify certain plan revisions that are necessary. Primarily, the revisions address the sidewalk width (shall be six [6] feet wide), noting that topsoil is required across all disturbed areas not otherwise improved with impervious surfacing, and requiring a 'pre-planting' meeting with the landscape contractor prior to any plantings in the boulevard areas.

While The COR Design Framework does not specify minimum planting requirements on private property, the developer is proposing landscaping for the interior of the site. The proposal includes a mixture of evergreen trees, ornamental trees, and shrubs and perenials. Staff supports the overall Landscape Plan with the necessary revisions outlined in the Staff Review Letter.

The Subject Property is located within a Drinking Water Supply Management Area (DWSMA), and therefore, no infiltration of stormwater is permitted.  The Developer is working with the Engineering Division to determine the applicable cost for a system to meet the infiltration requirements and will contribute cash in that amount in lieu of construction of an actual system.  The stormwater will enter the existing storm sewer system for The COR (which ultimately ends up in The Draw water feature).

The Subject Property is devoid of any significant trees and therefore, a Tree Preservation Plan is not required.

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

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent on compliance with the Staff Review Letter.