06-28-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r i NARRATIVE FOR CREEKSIDE IN ORONO (120 BROWN ROAD) At Wayzata Design and Development is interested in the development of the 20-acre parcel located at 120 Brown Road as a 7-lot Planned Residential Developineut. Tlie existing home will remain on the site. In review of the site’s naniral setting and surrounding amenities it was envisioned that an upper market single-family residential housing would be appropriate for the site. This isolated area provides a nice residential enclave that is surrounded by natural and recreational enjoyment. The project is designed to create a central neighborhood that wraps itself with vast open space and scenic views. This proposal was based on the direction received by the Orono Planning Commission on March 15, 2004. From the five-concept plan that were reviewed by city staff and the Commission a centralized cluster development was favored. The development incorporate the following design elements that were supported by the Planning Commission: 1. Dedication of over 12 acres of land as a conservation easement. 2. Preserving the upland along the south end of the site. This area is adjacent the Luce Line Trail and the dedication will maintain the scenic atmosphere along the trail. This area was designated as a premiere building site in all of the concept plans, but was offered as open space for the opportunity to cluster the lots. 3. Preserving the upland on the northern edge of the site. This area was also considered a premier development site. Howevei, having a large open space that separates this development from the homes to the north preserves the natural views of the homes 4. Clustering the homes minimizes the amount of road that is needed and concentrates the traffic impacts, such as noise and headlights, to a central area. 5. Preserves large tracts of open space for wildlife habitats and eco-systems. - • 6. Provides efficient centralized municipal sewer and water service to the homes. This eliminates the need for septic systems near the environmentally sensitive wetland and creek. It also eliminates extending service lines to homes spread out throu^out the site. 7. Preservation of trees. "8:^ A. 50-fuul Sclbauk fiuiu llic west ^lUpuily luie uf Uiu~lwu luls bOLlh of ihb'ucw luaJ. Tlus will provide an additional 40-foot building setback and a buffer from the existing homes. 9. An archeological review was done and found no archeological properties on the site. As a PRD, this development w'ill enhance the appearance for the entire area by preserving the natural open spaces instead of dotting the area with large homes. Allowing the homes to be clustered with the dedication of a conservation casement preserving the many amenities within the site, including wetlands, Long Lake Creek, trees, drainage ways, slopes, and natural corridors. As noted in the previous sketch plan report, it is staff’s opiraon that this site is a candidate as a PRD neighborhood. Site Design The lots range in size from l.OS acres to 2.04 acres including areas dedicated fer conservation easements. The development provides a 35-foot front setback a 10-foot side setback and a 30- foot rear setback. A setback of 50 feet was incorporated along the west side of Lots 1 and 2 to create a greater buffer from the existing homes. Even though there is a 26-foot setback from the wetland, the homes are expected to be placed on the knoU and setback much further than the required 26 feet. Although the homes will be custom built, the lots were designed to V C’ ^7* •••**. • C