Consider Landscape Plan for RTC 12th Addition

The City has received an application for Preliminary Plat consideration for Ramsey Town Center 12th Addition.   The proposed development would result in twelve (12) new single family lots on what is now currently known as Outlot A, Ramsey Town Center 8th Addition (the "Subject Property"), which is located north of Bunker Lake Blvd and east of Zeolite St.  This request is being processed as a Major Plat and thus, the Landscape Plan is being routed through this Board for review.

The Subject Property was part of the Natural Resources Inventory conducted in 2007.  However, it was classified as Urban with Little Vegetative Cover and thus, there are no significant natural areas worthy of protection.   Furthermore, the Subject Property is devoid of any significant trees and thus, a Tree Preservation Plan is not required.

The Landscape Plan includes a mixture of deciduous street trees (Autumn Blaze Maple and Boulevard Linden) and some evergreens (Black Hills Spruce) along the rear lot lines some screening and inhibit 'cut-throughs' from the trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard to 147th Terrace and vice versa.  There are also some clusters of shrubs proposed along rear lot lines as well.  While the species of trees/shrubs are acceptable, a greater mix should be contemplated to create more diversity.  Greater species diversity will help protect against large scale losses due to a pathogen or insect infestation.

While the Landscape Plan does propose street trees along the interior streets (Willemite, Xenolith, and 147th Terrace), there are none proposed for Zeolite St or Center Street (shown on the plans as Town Center Drive).  These are the two (2) primary access points to the proposed development and, per the COR Design Framework, should be landscaped with street trees.  All street trees shall be spaced thirty-five (35) feet on center (with deviations permitted if there are conflicts with the Vision Clearance Triangle, street lights, hydrants, and/or driveways).

The Landscape Plan also proposes to utilize a seed mix rather than sod in the rear yards of the lots that abut the trail.  While Staff does not necessarily object to this, it may be an opportunity to incorporate a more sustainable landscape element into the project.  Rather than using a general roadside seed mix, a dry or mesic prairie seed mix appropriate along roadsides could be considered.  Also, it should be noted that there is a fairly steep slope (encumbered by a Slope Easement benefiting Anoka County) that may make it challenging for seed establishment if there are heavier and/or frequent rains after installation.  If a seed mix of any sort is used, plans should be revised to specify specific erosion control measures to ensure proper establishment.

 Overall, Staff finds the Landscape Plan generally acceptable with revisions outlined in the attached Staff Review Letter.

 

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

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