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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources <br /> DNR WATERS <br /> 4140 THIELMAN LN., #203, ST. CLOUD, MN 56301 <br /> Phone No. (320) 255-2976 <br /> <br />December 19, 1997 <br /> <br />Steve Ach <br />City Planner <br />City of Elk River <br />P.O. Box 490 <br />Elk River, MN 55330-0490 <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Ach: <br /> <br />Preliminary Plat of Orono Shores, Orono Lake (71-13P), Sherburne County <br /> <br />Thank you for sending a copy of the proposal for our review. As you know we have worked <br />with Guardian Angels and their consultants to develop a proposal that meets the requirements of <br />the City including preserving the shoreland values of the property. It appears that the proposal <br />will balance all of the requirements and still provide for the desired senior housing project. The <br />PUD requirements in the shoreland ordinance, appear to have functioned well in helping to <br />create a suitable development within the context of the developers needs and the City code. I <br />have reviewed the plan sheets and supplemental data you provided and have the following <br />comments. <br /> <br />First of all, the densities being proposed appear to be consistent with the shoreland ordinance. <br />They also follow with the discussions we have had with the proposer. There is the need for a <br />small variance to the allowable units in tier 2. This variance does not conflict with the integrity <br />of the Shoreland Program, if the Board of Adjustment believes that a suitable hardship exists. <br /> <br />One factor that is not discussed in the plat, is that the density multiplier requires that the building <br />setbacks exceed the standard by 25% and that there are other methods used to screen and reduce <br />visibility approved by the City. The most likely approach to use in this case would be to <br />preserve and enhance the vegetative conditions of the site. Obviously views of the lake are <br />~mportant. Therefore a vegetation/landscape plan should include a strategy to balance the need <br />for view with site specific plantings of mixed tree and shrub species to meet the overall intent of <br />this section. <br /> <br />The tier calculation tables have a couple of discrepancies that should be corrected. First of all, <br />the tier 2 summary includes the statement that there are no commercial buildings present. This is <br />inaccurate, since the assisted living complex is being considered a commercial building for the <br />purposes of the PUD. In addition, the open space in tier one is more accurately stated as 51%. <br /> <br />The proposal is a mixed use PUD. Therefore, the proposal has the characteristics and <br /> <br />DNR Information: 612-296-6157. 1-800-766-6000 · I'FY: 612-296-5484. 1-800-657-3929 <br /> <br /> An Equal Opportunily Employer ~N~,~, Printed on Recycled Paper Cmuainmg a <br /> Who Values Diversity t~ll~l~ Minimum Jif' j()t,~ J)o,t-C(m,umcr Wilqc <br /> <br /> <br />