Consider Policy for the Replacement of Streetscape Disturbed by Construction

Currently, streetscape  improvements have been constructed along Sunwood Drive in The COR.  The south side of the roadway is improved between Armstrong and Sapphire, then the north side is complete from Sapphire to Ramsey Boulevard.  These improvements include concrete walk, planter beds, boulevard trees, irrigation, and electricity for holiday or event lighting.

A significant portion of this improvement will be removed and replaced as part of the Sunwood Drive relocation project.  This is included in the project currently underway.

The challenge we are facing is in protecting these improvements during construction.  The streetscape exists in an area of The COR that requires a building to be placed on, or very near the property line. Constructing footing and foundations immediately adjacent to the existing walks is nearly impossible to accomplish without significant damage to the existing streetscapes.  Today, an individual developer is responsible to replace portions of the streetscape damaged by construction.  This, of course gets subjective as to the extent and definition of "damaged", and will result in a generally inconsistent appearance along Sunwood as projects develop.

The attached photos illustrate the challenges of construction in this area.

There two general areas where streetscape improvements exist and will have similar issues.  The north side of Sunwood from Allina to the existing Ramsey Office Plaza, excepting NAU Insurance, and on the South side of Sunwood from The Residence at The COR to Zeolite.

Discussions to date have indicated a desirable policy would contemplate a pre-construction evaluation and review of the project and potential impacts to the streetscapes. Then, following construction, a second evaluation of the portions damaged during construction to determine the contractors obligation to restore.  The development team would than recommend the HRA consider a contribution to this effort to restore additional areas as necessary to provide a consistent final appearance.

The development team recommends the HRA consider the policy outlined above, provide input, and direct the development team to prepare a policy outlining this process.

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Provide consensus direction on the preparation of a policy related to the replacement of streetscapes damaged by construction.