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Memo to Planning Commission/CU 98-7 March 16, 1998 Page 2 41 inadequate for the increased library patronage. In 1997, the house on the corner of 5th and Proctor adjacent to the library parking lot went up for sale. The City purchased the property and demolished the house. Because the patrons are concerned about losing trees on the property, the City is making great efforts to preserve the existing trees. Existing Conditions The existing parking lot is 80' wide with 9' parking stalls and supports 4 staff parking stalls and 17 patron stalls; one handicap accessible. Currently, there is no curb and gutter, and minimal landscaping. Library Board Mick Stoffer, Branch Librarian, has received the following comments/concerns from the Library Board regarding the proposed site plan for the parking lot (Option A): 1. Widen entrance drive to 30'. 2. Consider a new entrance/library sign. 3. The three transplanted arborvitae interfere with staff parking. • 4. 5. Add an additional parking stall north of the elm tree. Widen drive isle around the elm tree to 24'. 6. Keep the parking lot at its current width of 80' or reduce its width by 7' to 73' to provide room for pedestrians to walk. Parking The Elk River Zoning Ordinance requires 36 parking stalls, two handicap accessible, for a 10,600 sq. ft. library. Code also requires curb and gutter be installed. The parking lot expansion adds 16 (37 total) parking stalls and adds auto access off 5th Street. This access in its current configuration will require moving a utility pole. Landscaping Options A and B reflect proposed new landscaping. With credit for 9 existing trees, the Elk River Zoning Ordinance requires 7 trees be planted; 3 overstory, 2 conifers and 2 ornamental. The ordinance also requires screening the parking lot from adjacent residential areas to an 80% opacity. Underground irrigation is also required. The proposed site plan: • f:\shrdoc\planning\pc\cu98-7.doc