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% r ?• #2596 Brenshell Homes EAW Need Determination December 6,2000 Page 7 protected from development by easements and covenants precluding their destruction. In fact, the northerly ravine will be platted as an outlot and a conservation easement granted to the City prohibiting any land alteration and vegetation removal. The developer is also required to provide the City with a site plan identifying all mature trees on the site, and identifying which trees w'ill be retained, and then must mark those trees and protect them during site development. The only evidence provided by the petitioners that this area has historical significance is a study completed in 1997 by IMA Consulting for the Saga Hill Preservation Society. The study concludes that this area, and in fact the entire area encompassed by the Saga Hill Nature Area, has a “relatively high potential for the presence of archaeological sites' and that “the presence of of flat ground in association with deep erosional ravines, particularly in association with wetlands in the area as well as Lake Minnetonka, suggests that the area may have been a seasonal locus of prehistoric Native American activity, possibly back to the Paleoindian period". However, these findings could be made of virtually all land in southwest Orono, and of most lands surrounding most lakes in Orono. No specific evidence such as artifacts, burial sites or mounds, etc. has been introduced related to this site. No evidence of pioneer homestead sites on the parcel in question has been presented, and there are no historic buildings on the site. While the Saga Hill area may have social significance in relation to the activities of its pioneer occupants a century ago. no evidence has been presented to suggest that any significant historical sites will be affected by this development. Concern 4. “There is a hazardous intersection proposed for vehicular access to and from said development adding to already dangerous intersections." The City Engineer has reviewed the proposed intersection of Garden Lane and Tonkaview Lane. The intersection location is a very appropriate location from a safety standpoint because it is on the ouside of a horizontal curve, allowing more than adequate sight lines and sight distance for vehicles entering Tonkaview Lane. Impacts of the vertical cur\ature of Tonkaview Lane are minimal, being relatively flat west of the intersection, and being a relatively uniform downhill slope east of the intersection. An existing driveway in the Garden Lane right-of-way serving the adjacent residence to the east will likely have to be relocated onto Garden Lane upon construction of the new road; this will be addressed as part of the final road design plans. The final road design for Garden Lane will also incorporate a right-angle approach onto Tonkaview to avoid blind spots for exiting vehicles. Also note that the majority of drainage from Garden Lane will be directed northward to the north stormwater pond via storm sewers, hence drainage to Tonkaview from Garden Lane will be minimized. It is staffs conclusion that the proposed intersection will not create a hazardous situation, and does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. ZJKJI.(Ml r «t a •