Adopt Resolution #21-065 Approving Final Version of Preliminary Plat in Regard to Density Transition and Tree Preservation for Northfork Meadows, Case of Lennar (20-135)

The purpose of this case is to provide an update to the City Council on the outcome of their motion from a previous meeting for Lennar (the "Applicant") to work with the adjacent property owners on the landscaping and density transitioning plan for the Preliminary Plat of Northfork Meadows. The Subject Property is located east of Puma/Okapi Street and south of Alpine Dr and is approximately 33 acres. Since this is a large contingency of approval including members of the public, Staff wanted to circle back with Council to update.

The City attempted to notify Property Owners, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the request. The Public Hearing Notice for the January Planning Commission meeting was also properly posted in the Anoka County UnionHerald, the City's Official Newsletter. No additional notification was provided for this meeting.

Summary
The Preliminary Plat was approved in February 2021 by the City Council with contingencies to work with the neighboring property owners on the landscaping. Since the previous meeting, City Staff has met with property owners adjacent to the project via zoom and onsite. The Applicant joined on the zoom call and discussed options with neighbors. On March 1, 2021, City Staff walked the property line with the neighbors to discuss options for including the berm and saving existing trees. The property owners were open to the berm, if trees on their own properties, or partially on their own properties, could be saved. The City cannot approve removal on privately owned property, so both City Staff, the Applicant, and adjacent properties owners are on the same page. Staff appreciates the time that neighbors have dedicated to this project.

The project will be moving forward with the proposed berm onsite while saving trees that are straddling shared property lines.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with project review.

The City Council previously approved the preliminary plat with a contingency to work with adjacent property owners to see if additional trees could be saved onsite, this case is to remove that contingency from the project and move into formal approval.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-065 approving final version of Preliminary Plat and resolution in regard to density transition and tree preservation for Northfork Meadows.