01-10-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 6,2005 Mike Gaffron City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway Orono, MN 55356 Rc: Crccksidc in Orono Welland Status Dear Mike: 1 wish to clarify the changes to the wetland designation on the submitted plans The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District has required that a 40-fool wide con idoi stretching from Apple Glen Road to the large wetland basin, basically following the ditch created by the runoff from the road, to be protected under their rules. Although a previous TF.P considered this area exempted as a WCA wetland, the current staff wanted this corridor preserved under its existing conditions. A delineation of the corridor did not occur since this request was made after the time frame for wetland delineations and because this area was a wetland exempted by the Tl£P. The ability to locate a definitive edge along the corridor would be extremely problematic given the presence of relic wetland characteristics within the entire area. In working with the watershed we had agreed to the 40-fool wide con idor to be designated as a wetland protection area. It is unfortunate that this request w'as made after the city review of the preliminary plat but fortunately it does not have any negative impacts to the project. The homes are outside the corridor and its 35-foot setback and the storm ponds were shificd to avoid the corridor. Due to the exemption status of this area and that the comdor was requested for the purpose of stonnwater conveyance from Apple Glen Road to the larger wetland basin. This area should not be counted against the fourteen buildable acres that were established previously. It should be simply seen as an added preservation area. As a PRD, Creekside In Orono supports the preservation of natural areas and the benefits they provide to a development. The protection of this area w ill huprove w ater quality and natural habitats. This ucsignation mirrors the preserx ation ihat w as added on the SI£ side of the site, behind Lots 3 and 4. The area around the pond was ne\ er delineated as a w elland but the development is providing a 35-foot buffer around an artificial edge to preserx e and protect the natural area around the pond. We look forward at the opportunity to develop Creekside In Orono as a PRD promoting the preservation of open space for both wetland and upland areas. Sincerely, Tom Goodrum Senior Planner, Schoell and Madson Inc.