04/06/2010 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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~rr'' Council Minutes of 04-06-2010 ~.... Councilwoman Jones made a motion to approve CMS 10-05, Dunkin' Donuts at 26963 Lorain Road, subject to the following conditions: 1. The three Crab Apple trees axe to be planted along the east. Boxwoods are to be planted at 24-30 inches. Daylilies and other multi season flowering perennials are to be added throughout the landscaping beds. 2. Additional striping will be added along the front of the new vestibule to ensure no cars park in front of the entrance. 3. Brickscape shall be installed as shown on plans. The motion was seconded by Councilman Barker and passed unanimously. CMS 10-OS Dunkin' Donuts at 26963 Lorain Road approved. • Next on the agenda was CMS10-Ol, Fairview Corporate Center, PPN 237-23-023. This proposal consists of amending the approved landscaping plan at the Fairview Corporate Center office park. This development straddles the border of North Olmsted and Fairview Park, at the northeast corner of Clague and Brookpark Roads with the buildings and site improvements located in Fairview Park and landscaping and future parking proposed for North Olmsted. At the time the development was proposed in 2000, there was substantial discussion of the landscaping proposal for the North Olmsted portion of the site. There was some disagreement through the review process as to whether the site should be left in a natural state or whether landscaping should be installed to create buffers and more of a park-like setting. The differences in opinion are evident today at the site, as the final approved landscape plan was a hybrid of mounding and new landscaping wrapping the corner of Clague Road and Brookpark Road with the remainder of the site left in a natural state. Since the approval and construction, there have been changes to the site including changes to the grading as dirt was moved around and some trees have died in the natural area. This has caused the applicant to propose these changes involving removal of dead and other existing trees and some new plantings. The City Forester has issued an opinion that the natural area should be left natural including the dead trees as the area provides a natural habitat for wildlife. Planning Director Wenger recognized that the changes to the area since construction of the office park have resulted in an uncoordinated mix of improved versus unimproved green space that does not give the best appearance or impression of the City. In her opinion, the area looks half done, and the dead trees and scrub brush are not consistent with the high quality office park development that it accompanies. The applicant would like to landscape the area which was left in a natural state. A report from Davey Tree indicates 19 of the 52 trees in the area are dead or dying and recommends their removal and replacement. Existing grading and mounding was designed to screen headlights from Clague Road residences. Excess soil from the construction site will be used to further grade and mound in the area. Grading and drainage must comply with the City Engineer's requirements. The Planning and Design Commission felt that the location is a gateway into the City of North Olmsted which should reflect how the City wishes to be perceived by residents and visitors. To that end the Commission supported a landscaping proposal which would enhance the area 6 b,,o,.g