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PLANNING & DESIGN COMMISSION CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED MINUTES FOR JANUARY 27, 2010 ROLL CALL Mr. Lasko called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers and led the Pledge of Allegiance, Present: John Laslco Jr., Melissa Meredith, Ralph Bohlmann, Don Rerko, Greg Malone, Jim Cotner (arrived at 7:10 pm) Staff: Planning Director Kimberly Wenger, Assistant Law Director Bryan O'Malley, City Engineer Pietro DiFranco, Building Commissioner Dale Mitchell, Clerk of Commissions Donna Rote REVIEW AIoTD CORRECTION OF MINUTES Mr. Lasko moved, seconded by 1VIr.1Vlalone, to approve the January 13, 2010 aninutes which was unanimously approved 5-0. NEW BUSINESS CMS10-01: Fairview Office Park; PPN 237-23-023 Representative: Don Lydon, Zaremba Management Ms. Wenger said the proposal consists of modifications to previously approved landscape plans. These landscape changes were denied as a minor change in 2009. The development consists of buildings and site improvements in Fairview Park and landscaping and future parlcing in North Olmsted. In 2000 the development was presented and there were extensive debates pertaining to the site remaining in a natural state or if landscaping should be installed to create buffers and a inore parlc lilce setting. The differences in opinion are evident, as the final approved landscape plan which was a hybrid of mounding and new landscaping wrapping the corner of Clague and Broolcpark Roads with the rest of the site left in a natural state. Since the approval and construction, grading changes were made and some trees have died in the natural area. This has prompted the applicant's proposed landscaping changes which include removing dead and other existing trees and adding new plantings. The City Forester's report recommends the natural area remain in its natural state, including the dead trees as they provide a habitat for wildlife. However while she respects the forester's opinion, she also recognizes that there are other issues to be considered. The changes to the area since construction have resulted in an uncoordinated mix of improved versus unimproved green space that does not give the best appearance or impression of the City. The dead trees and brush are not consistent with the high quality office parlc development which it accompanies. She supports the preservation of significant mature trees on the site and would expect any new proposed trees would be of substantial number and size given the number of trees identified for removal. Mr. Mitchell noted his respect for the forester, but comparing the site to neighboring developments and considering the area is a gateway into the city he would prefer the site be