01-27-2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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t r » . #02-2789/02-2840 January 24,2003 Page 4 Shed B-2 depicts the proposed encroachments of the 26'Orono wetland setback by buildings, roads and trails. These encroachments are generally minimal, and do not have any greater impacts on the actual wetlands themselves as compared to the approved concept plan. We again note that grading within the 26* wetland buffers is likely to occur as a result of construction where units or roads closely abut the buffer; and would expect the buffers to be returned to vegetation during the landscaping process. Regarding the wetland impacts, staff does not have a problem with the minor wetland and'or buffer impacts proposed. The actual wetland impacts are now reduced from 1.45 acres to 1.05 acres, while mitigation area remains at 1.45 acres. The magnitude of proposed impacts to Orono’s 26* protected buffer zone is minimal, a fraction of a percent of the entire required buffer area. Variances to allow the proposed impacts appear necessary in order to maintain the spacing and orientaticn of dwelling units based on the location of the wetlands, and to provide the appropriate building separations and street setbacks without loss of additional dwelling units. It should be noted that per Exhibits B-2 and B-3, there are some areas where variances to MCWD buffer requirements will be requested of the MCWD by the developer. The MCWD buffers are depicted on B-3. These variances are for the few locations where buildings will encroach the MCWD-rcquircd buffers, which vary in width from 20-35 ’ on the plans. From my recent discussion with Mike Wyatt of MCWD regarding their buffer requirement, the buffer variances arc the only part of the current plan for which he is uncomfortable predicting the outcome. 1 also learned that MCWD will require that their buffers be “non-maintained"; i.e. not mowed. The impact of this is that where MCWD buffers abut or are within a few feet of dwelling structures, those structures won’t be able to maintain a mowed yard. This is not an issue for the City, but it illustrates the impact of MC WD’s buffer requirement on the landscaping for many of the rambler lownhomes. Drainage Kmergency Overflow Issue Resolved The City Engineer had asked for an overland oC’et to accommodate back to back superstorm events, rather than relying on culverts which could be plugged and cause potential flooding of walkout levels in this development as well as affecting homes in Willow View, the Middle School, and City ofllces. The applicant has revised plans to show such an overflow across Kelley Parkway west of the main entry road, and this design is satisfactory to the City. MCWD Approvals Pending After discussing the latest site plan and wetland impact/mitigation plan (Exhibits B-2 and B-3) briefly with Mike Wyatt of MCWD, it appears he is in support of the current plan. It w ill not go before the MCWD Board for action until February 27. He believes the wetland buffer variances are the main issue the Board w ill discuss at any length.