From: 	Jean Fraser
To:	jonathan@redfernproperties.com
CC:	Barhydt, Barbara
Date: 	5/24/2011 2:02 PM
Subject: 	Harborview Homes -  Edge Treatment

Jonathan,
 
I have now had a chance to liaise with all of the reviewers regarding the several options that you forwarded for addressing issues associated with the "edge" treatment along York Street.
 
We don't think a meeting is necessary as your Option B seems to be going in the right direction-  but  we have a number of comments that might inform the detailed development of the final version:
 
1.  We feel the material of the fencing should be integrated with the material of the new building ie metal or black painted wood;
 
2.  The fence should be a max. of 5 feet high  along the front and in a large scale grid design so can see through it (for sight lines of egress);
 
3.  The pervious areas behind the fence line should be enlarged to accommodate more trees (at least 4 in total) and low planting on both sides of the drive access-  this may require the subsurface filter/parking space to be relocated slightly so the planting area can be enlarged in that corner;
 
4.  The side fencing (solid) should be integrated with the front fencing and step down to join it;  one thought is that these could be tied together with the rail detail along the top being the same;
 
5.  I don't think a dumpster is needed or workable in the parking lot area;  however, the solid waste management for these buildings does need to be developed and confirmed as part of the final plan;
 
In addition we are concerned about some of the other details that are shown in the montages.  I will forward more detailed comments from the City Arborist in the next day or so, but in the meantime here are our more general comments:
The walkway at the side (adjacent existing building) needs to connect with the walkway alongside the new building-  this could be achieved by introducing compact parking spaces (parking lots with greater than 10 spaces may be comprised of up to 20% compact parking spaces-  a compact parking space is 8 ft wide by 15 ft long);
The fence across the front of the proposed building (enclosing the patios for the lower floors) is high wood and seems over-dominant and not integrated with the building-  it also needs to be integrated into the landscape treatment of the parking lot area;
In front of the proposed building there are two curved areas that delineate the parking lot paved area;  these should be planted with small/ornamental trees to help meet the ordinance requirements for parking lot planting (we note there is one tree within the patio area).
A detailed landscape plan (including all fencing) and associated details should be included in the final submission.
 
Please call me if any questions;  if you would still like to meet with some of the reviewers please let me know.
 
thank you
Jean
 
Jean Fraser, Planner
City of Portland
874 8728