HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-27 NAC Memorandum to OPH Re Site IssuesNORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mike Robertson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: 27 October 1997
RE: Oak Park Heights - Menard's Site Issues
FILE NO: 798.02 - 96.10
OCT 2 8 1997
As per your request, 1 have done a site inspection of the Menard's project under
construction on 58th Street following complaints by Autumn Ridge residents. The four
issue areas identified in the complaints and the site inspection are the berming,
landscaping, lighting and signage.
Berm. The plans submitted by Menard's indicate a 14 foot structure along 58th Street
with a berm facing the neighborhood to be four feet in height (see attached). The structure
and fill are in place but the elevation from the street to the fence line does not change
dramatically, as indicated in the plans, thus it does not appear as a berm. The fence
height at this location is 10 feet, as approved by the City. The City will not require
additional berming in that it is not required as part of the project approval.
Landscaping. The neighborhood's concern with the fence should be greatly reduced
when the evergreens are planted along the fence line. The City's understanding was that
evergreens from the tree farm would be used and that they would be from eight to ten feet
in height. Dan Sjordal, Landscape Architect with NAC, is concerned about the late
planting date and the survivability of the evergreens. He recommended use of as large
of a tree spade as possible. Additionally, the City requires a one year planting guarantee
for all landscape materials. Menard's will be required to replace any evergreens that do
not survive the Winter.
Lighting. The yard lights installed adjacent to the pallet rack/fencing features cobra head
fixtures, as approved, but it appears as though they do not include side visual cutoffs as
shown on the plan and required as part of the lighting plan approvals. The cutoffs will be
required before the lights are to be used. The City will monitor the glare and light
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generated from the site once the store is in operation. If any issue of conformance with
the approved photometric plan is found, the City will require Menard's, at their own
expense, to verify agreement with the plan (see attached).
Signage. The City Council approved a variance to allow the main " Menard's" sign and
allowed for six category signs on the front building facade. Currently, eight category signs
have been installed in violation of approval. Two signs will need to be removed as soon
as possible. Additionally, Menard's has installed multiple large signs at the yard entrance
that were not anticipated as part of the approvals. The back lit signs installed in the
canopy, although slightly larger than allowed for identification signage, would be
acceptable, the large painted sign below would not be allowed. This sign should be
removed.
pc: Mayor and City Council
Mark Vierling
Gary Colby, Menard's
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