12-11-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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-ki'. m 9. indicate that the majority of the site, approximately 6 of the 7 acres, was in open cultivated fields or orchard plots, and only the areas abutting the ravines were wooded at that time. The identifying characteristics of Big Woods include old growth mature hardwoods with long, straight trunks and a high dense canopy that limits light reaching the forest floor, resulting in minimal understory growth. The only portions of the site where such conditions are conceivably present is within the two ravine areas. Both ravine areas will be protected from development by easements and covenants precluding their destmetion. In fact, the northerly ravine will be platted as an outlet 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 will 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 Preser\ation 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 flat ground in association with deep erosional ra\ ines, 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 Paieoindian period”. However, these findings could be made of virtually all land near Lake Minnetonka comprising hundreds of acres in southern Orono, and of many lands surrounding other 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. In regards to Concern 4. Petition Statement:“There is a hazardous intersection proposed for vehicular access to and from said development adding to already dangerous intersections.” The City Council finds as follows: 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 curvature of Tonkaview Lane are minimal, being Page 6 of 8 ■M.*Y it"-Avaji.■