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Page 6 Comprehensive Plan If the subject site is rezoned, a minor Comprehensive Plan amendment must still be approved by the City and filed with the Metropolitan Council which reclassifies the subject site from single family residential to low density residential. - The Woodlands section of the Protection Open Space element of the Comprehensive Plan, states; "Innovative development plans should be encouraged in areas containing woodlands. These features should be incorporated as permanent parts of the development." (Woodlands are defined in the Comp Plan as the general tree cover associated with developed areas.) General Site Plan Mr. Fred Hoisington also commented on the townhouse development proposed by Silver Oak Development. Mr. Hoisington indicated the development should be redesigned to better protect the existing mature trees on the site. Specifically, those existing trees along Old Highway 8 should be preserved and incorporated into the design of the subject site. According to Mr. Hoisington, preserving these mature trees would not only help soften the impact of those existing industrial uses east of Old Highway 8, but would also preserve the character of the Highway 8 corridor apd the subject site itself. Mr. Paul Page, Landscape Architect with the Hoisington Koegler Group, felt the existing mature trees on the northeast corner of the subject site could be saved by dropping two of the units from the four unit builds proposed for that corner of the site. However, according to Mr. Page, a survey showing the location, size, and species of existing trees on site would be needed to make an exact determination on the appropriate location of future buildings on the subject site. The City Forester concurred with the findings of the City's consultant. The City Forester pointed out many of the Oak trees on this site are nearly 100 years old and disease free. The City Forester has also advised against any development activity around the Oak trees until July 1st, since Oaks are most susceptible to damage between April 1st and July 1st. Amended Site Plan The applicant has altered the original proposal by removing two of the units from the first tier of townhomes and one unit from the second tier of townhomes. This creates a setback pattern which gradually pulls the townhomes away from the Old Highway 8 corridor from south to north. The applicant's amended proposal also includes a tree survey showing the location and size of the existing trees within 100 feet ofthe Old highway 8 right of way. This survey was used to determine which three units should be removed. The applicant has also submitted a landscape plan which places a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees on the site to compliment the existing mature oak trees. The proposed landscape plan establishes plantings along the periphery of the site and the SE portion of the site adjacent to Old Highway 8, where there are not as many significant or mature existing trees. The City Forester has given a favorable review of the site plan/tree survey (number of significant trees to be saved) and landscape plan. G:\CDI-97 -CCIREPORTSIERNYIR-141 B,WPD