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March 24, 1999 ANDERSON-JOHNSON ASSOCIATES, J INC. Landscape Archiuctur* • Site Planning • Civil Engineering Mr. George Gorbatenko Wold Associates, Inc. 305 St. Peter Street St. Paul, MN 55102 RE: Proposed New Orono Middle Scnool Reconstruction of Orono High School Orono, Minnesota Dear George: As a response to condition item ^2 stated in the City of Orono’s Notice of Planning Commission Action (dated March 16, 1999), we offer the following comments: We have reviewed Wallace Case's letter dated, March 14, 1999. Our responses noted below correspond to Mr. Case's paragraphs. I Parking Lot Issues - Pedestrian traffic across islands will be directed over pavement. Also at these crossings, handicap ramps/access will be provided. Currently the 5% gradient in the parking lots and drives meets AD.A requirements. Of course, if these gradients can be decreased that would be our intent, f’owever due to the character of the site this lu.xurv mav not be obtainable. Landscaping will be provided around the High Sc!iool and Middle School bus/event parking areas as budget permits. Lighting - This issue is currently under review by Wold Architects. a Wetlands Creation - Plans and specifications are currently being reviewed by the .Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and, at present, preliminary' findings are generally positive. .Athletic Field Orientation - Due to school’s antic, lated coaching / supervision needs and to allow fle.xibility of the designed fields, the softball fields have been oriented as shown. Furthermore, the orientation of the soccer fields, although not preferred, allows for the largest length and width of the field (if fields were rotated north-south, the fields would fall below regulation size). At present benches, bleachers and permanent goals are not included in the project but may be installed in the future. 5.Landscaping - Mr. Case’s comments and suggestions w ill be taken into account when developing the final landscape plan for each of the project sites. As previously indicated, the amount of landscaping shown on the plans was provided in order to meet anticipated City guidelines. With the final design of the -'•unpus landscape master plan, we will strive to link the two schools with a distinct theme and a varied palette of plant material. Tree relocation issues will be further defined as we come closer to bidding the project. VALLEY SQUARE OFFICE CENTER • SUITE 200 • 7575 GOLDEN VALLEY ROAD • MINNEAPOLIS. MN 55427 PH (612) 544-7129 • FAX (612) 544-0531