02-17-1998 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

#2321 - Sketch Plan January 14, 1998 Page 3 4.Bluff Impacts: Lots 4, 6 and 7 contain a bluff which will reduce the area of the buildable envelope and result in required setbacks from the lake ranging from 130-160' rather than the 75' standard. The bluff impact zone is also an area where intensive vegetation clearing is prohibited (See Exhibit F). The buildable envelope of Lot 6 will be impacted by the required bluff setback. 5. 6. Tree Prescr\'ation: Tree lines and wooded areas are shown on the topographic background map (See Exhibit 1). The site is mainly open, only about 15-20% wooded. Most of the wooded areas are near the shoreline or along the west property boundary. Of great concern is that the dense woods along the shoreline will be under tremendous pressure. We could expect that individual homeowners will want to establish views of the lake from their new homes, by thinning the woods or creating open corridors to the lake. Such changes in the nature of the shoreline landscape would be unfortunate in the context of this virtually untouched arm of Ma.xwell Bay. The tree preservation ordinances currently in place would disallow cutting any 6" or larger diameter tree within 75' of the shoreline, and prohibit 'intensive vegetation clearing' within 75' of the shoreline, on steep slopes and in the bluff impact zone. If preservation of this wooded shoreline in its current state is critical, the City may wish to require that some type of 'tree conser\ation easement' be specifically developed for this site. This would appear to be possible under the provisions of Section 1 1 .60, Subd. 1 . The developer should also be required to plant boulevard trees along all roads per the subdivision code requirements. Park Dedication: The Park Commission has indicated that a bike/hike trail corridor should be preser\'ed along the west side of Old Crystal Bay Road, for future extension of trails from the Luce Line to Noerenberg Park. Althought the City has not attempted to design this segment of trail, and although a similar corridor already exists directly across from this property on the east side of the road, it may be appropriate to obtain a 20'-30' casement along the right-of way, with the value of said easement being deducted from the 8% park fee requirement. Hennepin County Parks staff has indicated a long-tenu intent to establish a connector trail between the Luce Line and Noerenberg Park, but has no plans for trails within the park; they would only be at its perimeter if developed. However, this portion of Old Crystal Bay Road is not delineated on the official County Bike Trail Plan. It is unknown whether Hennepin County Public Works will request additional right-of-way for the road itself (currently Old Crystal Bay Road has 66').