Consider Landscape Plan for Affinity at Ramsey (Project No. 17-142); Case of Inland Group

The City has a purchase agreement in place to sell about four (4) acres of land adjacent to Municipal Plaza for a proposed residential apartment building (intended for 55+).  The City has received an application for Sketch Plan review of a new, 175-unit apartment building at the southwest corner of Ramsey Parkway and Center Street (the "Subject Property").  The project would serve the 55+ demographic.  While this is a Sketch Plan, we have received a detailed Landscape Plan associated with this project. 

The Subject Property is devoid of any significant tree cover and is not identified as having any natural areas per the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI).  The National Wetlands Inventory also does not identify any wetlands on the Subject Property either.  Due to the lack of significant tree cover, there is no need for a Tree Preservation Plan.

As noted previously, the Subject Property is within The COR and thus, is subject to the Design Framework.  Note that the Design Framework places a heavy emphasis on the public realm (e.g. streetscape) in terms of landscaping with much less focus on landscaping within individual properties.  The COR Design Framework includes a street hierarchy that sets the stage for required streetscape elements. 

The Subject Property will abut two public streets, Ramsey Parkway to the north and an unnamed (as of now) street to the west.    Ramsey Parkway is classified as a Parkway Street, which requires a six (6) foot wide sidewalk and six (6) foot wide boulevard finished with sod and street trees.  The north/south road is classified as a Downtown Street, and requires a ten (10) foot wide sidewalk with no planting requirements. 

The Landscape Plan includes trees within the boulevard along Ramsey Parkway at an acceptable spacing and size.  There are also boulevard trees shown along the north/south street as well.  However, the sidewalk needs to be widened, which likely will eliminate any plantings there (which is permitted per the Design Framework). 

The Applicant has provided a very robust landscaping plan internal to the site.  The plan includes a good mix of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs.  There are several species that must be eliminated (Amur Maple and Japanese Barberry, both are considered prohibited).  Additionally, Heritage Oak is only hardy to zone 5 (the metro area is considered near the boundary between zones 3 and 4) and should be replaced.  Finally, the Mountain Frost Pear is an uncommon species and may be difficult to obtain commercially and Staff has suggested that an alternative species be considered.

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.