Review Sketch Plan for Centra Homes

The City has received an application for Sketch Plan review of a detached townhome project proposed by Centra Homes (the "Applicant").  The residential project is located at the southwest corner of Ramsey Blvd and Bunker Lake Blvd (the "Subject Property") and proposes forty (40) detached townhome units.  The Subject Property is within The COR.

The Sketch Plan is the first of three (3) steps required in a Major Plat.  It is intended to allow the Planning Commission to give feedback to an Applicant before investing significant dollars in the more detailed plans such as grading, utilities, landscaping, streets, etc.  Oftentimes, Sketch Plans contain very little detail related to the core function(s) of the EPB (Landscape Plan, Tree Preservation Plan, etc.), but, this does give the Board an opportunity to provide any comments relevant to those topics.  Note that the Board will see this project again when it proceeds to the Preliminary Plat stage, which will have more detailed plans.

In past reviews of Sketch Plans, the Board had identified certain goals/principals to look for in a project.  Those included the inclusion of boulevard trees, encouraging rain gardens and native landscapes where appropriate, and exploring the potential of utilizing stormwater pond(s) for irrigation purposes.  Since this project is located within The COR, boulevard trees will be applicable per The COR Design Framework (with the exception of both county roads as Anoka County Highway Department will not allow plantings within their right-of-way).  Also, within The COR, there is a Master Stormwater Plan and thus, on-site ponding is not required (much of the stormwater ultimately goes into The Draw water feature).

Due to the compact nature of the Subject Property, the use of native plantings may not necessarily be supported.  However, there are two (2) short trail segments being proposed with associated greenspace on each side.  There may be an opportunity to suggest a greater emphasis on landscaping within these areas that could have a 'formal' outer edge with more pollinator friendly species in the interior.

All costs associated with this reviewing this project are the Applicant's responsibility. The parcel is currently owned by the City of Ramsey.

Provide general comments/feedback on the project.