05-13-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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DNF: METRO REGION TEL:ei:-772-7y7 Hpr 13:34 Mo.013 R-CO^ ■**M M g S <ffi) TTza\Mi r phone NO I.DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES METRO WATERS - 1200 WARNER ROAD, ST. PAUL, MN 55106 772-7910 FILS NO p;-.. t-f ii- ■IliT April 12.1996 Ms. Jeanne Mabusth City of OroDO P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, Minnesota 5S323 RE: LAND USE APPLICATIONS, CITY OF ORONO, HENNEPIN COUNTY Dear Ms Mabusth: I have commonts on ibe foUavring land use applicatioiu on the Planning CcHumission agenda for April 15,1996. #2125. Richard D Clifford. 4760 North Shore Dnvc (Lake Minnctopka • Jcnnines Bav. 27-133»16). Grading for a proposed residence would go 3 feet into the bluff impact zone. It is my understanding that the nmoflT&ctn the she would actually be slowed down, and possibly ponded on the site a bit, with the regrading and that tlK detrimental impacts on the bluff would be reduced. Given the circumstances for the proposed grading, we do not objea to the city approving grading in the bluff impact zone. ji^2130.Noriv>ft Johnson, 118 1 Wildhurst Road (Forest Lake 27» 139). The applicant requests approval of a 5'lot residentiaJ subdivision on undeveloped land. It is my understanding that no variances are required. I have no objection to the subdivision being approved, however. I do see some concerns with the stonnwator management on the property and grading in the area of the existing ravine. 1.In the cuiTcnUy proposed grading plan, the stormwater would be directed to a “NURP” pond ia tbe smaller ravine on the south .side of the property. We strongly encourage the city to work with the developer to find alternatives for management of the runoff. Running tho water to one of the stoepeat and most erosive parts of the site is not a good idea. In addition, the proposed pond excavation would be in a location where the necessary grading would disturb an area that already has steep slopes and is sensitive to dislurbaoce. The feasibility of diverting the runoff to a ponding area in a flatter area (preferably not a hoavil}' wooded area) should be seriously pursued, including the possibility of a coordinated effort with a neighboring property owner. Based on review of the proposed grading plan, it appears that tho grading for lot 3 may extend into the larger natural ravine. The extent of the grading should be field verified. If the grading docs c.xtcnd into the ravine, the city should work with the applicant to avoid such disturbance, using retaining wralls or steeper slopes, as app 'nate. 3.We understand that an easement will be placed over the larger ravine (that runs from the western to tfao northern portion of the property'), although that did not appear on the copy of the grading plan I reviewed. We strongly support placing a protective easement over this ravine, which is a significant natural resource within the City of Orono and a great amenity to the properties within the proposed subdivision. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER I. ^I I