06-14-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

#04-2974 Sloncbay Marketplace AprillS, 2004 Paget 3. imi It appears that the onlytrccs to be planted along the 500'length ofHighway 12 frontage are those few in the parking lot islands. Whi le it may be to the retailers’ advantage to maintain unobstructed views of storefronts, there should be some trees planted along both the Willow and 1 2 frontages. Note that staffhas encouraged the applicants to create a pedestrian amenity that focuses on the pond. They have provided a terrace seating area at the northeast comer of the pond, although it is primarily within Outlet B of Stonebay, not on applicant’s site. This may ultimately be acceptable, and staff would support this concept as addressing the intent of the CMP amendment and the City’s goals for this site; but further review and discussion is necessary to ensure that this location is acceptable to MnDOT, as this feature on Outlet B is technically in MnDOT right-of-way. We believe that Outlet B is subject to easements for the trail, but we need to confirm that the terrace area will also be allowed. Given the variety of concerns noted above, staff would recommend tliat the landscape plan be addressed by Planning Commission and provide applicant direction as to what specific revisions arc necessary. Applicant is advised to take a close look at the B-6 landscaping standards, especially regarding screening and buffering of trash enclosures. G.ArchitecturalStandards. Applicant has advised that he will work with the City to provide a face brick color acceptable to all parties. Applicant earlier provided aboard with building exterior material samples for review and approval, tliis will be available at the meeting - staffhas suggested a darker color brick should be used than those proposed to date. Since revised elevations of the two westerly buildings have not been submitted, staff would suggest that this be further reviewed upon their submittal. City expectations as expressed to the applicant to date have resulted in a high-quality design for tire Walgreens; we would anticipate similar arcliitcctural styling for the other buildings. Additional Site Plan Elements Pedes trig it A ccess. hr general, pedestrian access and circulation has been refined to a level acceptable to staff. Pedestrian access has been revised to provide for attractive and safe access and circulation throughout the site, including three primary connections to the Stonebay residential development, as well as logical trail and public sidewalk connection points. Sidewalk crossings of the parking lot appear to be proposed with varied surface textures to identify crossing points. Vehicle Circulation. Shelly Johnson, Orono’s traffic consultant with Bonestroo and Associates, has indicated the layout is generally acceptable in regards to traffic circulation, with a few minor revisions and conditions; The right-in, right-out access to Willow is better than prior plans but should be further refined to allow for easier turning access into the Walgreens drive-thru. Shrubbery at key intersection points must be low level for traffic visibility.