From: 	Jeff Tarling
To:	Helen Donaldson
CC:	David Margolis-Pineo
Date: 	7/31/2013 3:44 PM
Subject: 	Re: Bay House Phase II

Hi Nell -

This landscape revision is better then the earlier one !
 
Landscape comments for Bay House Phase II:
 
Street trees - would like to review the tree pit planting details, tree grates?
 
Parking area -  review possible alternatives to using groundcover 'Vinca Minor' (VM)
while a good groundcover, are their plant options that might provide more interest,
screening? (I haven't seen the fence detail or perspective looking at the project from 
this viewpoint), the plant list could include shrub or herbaceous plants, ornamental grasses...
 
The proposed Amur Corktree, (PA) should be sized to meet landscape standard of 2" for ornamental
trees vs the proposed 6-8' H.  Tree options could include Katsura, Three-flower Maple, Tupelo,
Korean Mt Ash... Phellodendron's in Portland have all tended to be really slow growing and
much less in stature then Southern New England, a 30 year old specimen in Lincoln Park is only
about 20' in height with a dbh of 17" !
 
Rain-planter -  Are there opportunities to create a rain planter along the parking lot edge or
other 'green' stormwater feature?
 
Other landscape options -  Green wall or landscape treatment for any blank walls or slope areas
such as Hancock Street view is recommended.

>>> Helen Donaldson 7/31/2013 2:43 PM >>>
Jeff, 
 
I was just looking through these comment and it seems like you may have been looking at an earlier version of the plans when you made them (e.g. the street tree species have changed some, they're not using mtn. laurels or Korean firs)?  See the newer landscaping plan attached.  
 
If you want to take a quick look and update your comments, that would be great.  But don't worry about it if you don't have the time!
 
Nell  

>>> Jeff Tarling 7/30/2013 3:54 PM >>>
Hi Nel -
 
I have reviewed the preliminary landscape plans for Bay House II and offer the following
comments: 
 
"Street-trees" - the plan show 6 'Green Vase' Zelkova trees along Newbury Street, and 2 'Valley 
Forge' Elms along Hancock Street, setback behind the sidewalk.  Near the street trees on Hancock
Street are 2 additional Elm trees and 17 Dwarf Mt. Laurels.   Would like to review the spec
for the 6 trees on Newbury Street.  Our recent challenge has been to ensure the street trees
survive especially from winter de-icing salts.  Tree suggestions - due to very recent incidents of
Dutch Elm Disease (DED) on resistant Elms in this area, we might want to include them but not
at such a large percentage.  'Karpick", "Bowhall" and "Red Point" Red Maples might due well in the 
parking lot area due to the more narrow but upright canopy.  (We can review a host of possible plants)
 
Parking lot & buffer landscape treatment -  The proposed plan shows additional 4 Valley Forge Elms near the parking lot, and a buffer planting of 3 Korean Fir, PJM Rhododendrons and 24 Spireas.
Recommendations /  goals would for the parking lot to meet the City 'Parking lot landscape standards', - this might suggest additional shrub planting along the west PL or where the elms are
planted in the parking lot.  The buffer 'appears' to include fencing? More details? In the Korean Fir /
Rhodi & Spirea boarder considerations for plant height needs might include alternative plants?  
Korean Firs are nice plants, Serbian Spruce might be a little narrower and hardier.  (I have both in my home landscape and the Fir has not obtained size as quickly and effectively as the Serb. Spruce in regards to performing as a buffer...)
 
Landscape Opportunities -  The Newburry Street frontage would ideally benefit from 'greening' perhaps in the form of small planters or landscape space.  In keeping with most of the existing residential properties in the area - both the new and old, have some type of greening effort along the back of sidewalk.  "Green Walls" could be a good solution for the back parking area, (I was unable to view the perspective of the proposed building facade.)
 
Green walls have been successful at Walker Terrace and a few similar projects, see Google search:
http://greenwallsystem.net  or http://www.ambius.com/green-walls/index.html 
 
I would be willing to meet with the project team to review if helpful.

Thanks,

Jeff Tarling

>>> Helen Donaldson 7/30/2013 1:34 PM >>>
It's under 40 Hancock.  The number is 2013-179.  
 
I need to get that address thing fixed.  It should totally be listed under Newbury.

>>> Jeff Tarling 7/30/2013 11:50 AM >>>
Hi Nell -
 
I was having problems finding the plan in "e-plan" 
 
What is the project number?  I tried a few types of searches that did not work.

Thanks,

Jeff

>>> Helen Donaldson 7/30/2013 8:54 AM >>>
Jeff, 
 
I must have missed you?  I assume you're the one who left the Baxter Woods pamphlet?   You know that's one of my favorite spots...
 
Let me know if you'd like to talk about Bay House.  I haven't really spent much time on the landscaping plan, but I'm hoping to take a look today. 
 
Nell

>>> Jeff Tarling 7/29/2013 1:25 PM >>>
Hi Nel -

I hope to get to this later this afternoon (Monday)
Will be up to visit Rick K also.

Jeff

>>> Helen Donaldson 7/29/2013 9:41 AM >>>
Jeff, 
 
Could you take a look at the attached plans for Bay House Phase II and let me know if you have preliminary comments?  (I'm also attaching the waiver requests because they include some landscaping waivers.) 
 
I'm hoping to finish the memo for the board this week, if possible.  I'm wondering if you could send me something by Thursday?   Sorry for the tight turnaround!
 
Thanks a ton, Jeff. 
 
Nell