Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutComments Miscellaneous 7/24/2008 , '\ . . 24 July 2008 To: Andy Umbird, City of Springfield, Urban Planning Division Re: Proposed Peace Health Midwifery Birth Center at 353 Deadmond Ferry Road,'Springfield, OR 97477 Dear Mr. Limbird, I live next door to the proposed Peace Health Midwifery Birth Center on Deadmond Ferry Road, and have received the City's recent notices of their building and tree removal applications. This letter is in response to those. Please route the following comments through appropriate channels so that they might weigh in on decisions. This letter also represents the thoughts of Sally and Bruce Brown: 335 Deadmond Ferry. Rd., and Jeri and Jesse Covington and Judi Willis: #349. Peace Health's Philip Farrington (Director, land Use Planning & Development) had previously mentioned the possibility of this project. His description was of. a low-key, low-roofed, Northwest natural residential feel, and a low level of traffic to the Center. Aside from leaving the area as green space, this generally seems a fairly compatible use of the lot from a neighborhood viewpoint. Following are specific concerns regarding the building and the tree removal. I[e.!Ll"emOJl'al: It was nearly impossible to read the tiny map accompanying the notice, and the trees themselves (in the yard) don't seem to be marked. It would be useful for these notices to show a Web location where the information can easily be studied. Thanks for later providing that during our phone conversation. Given the relatively large number of trees proposed for removal, we're concerned about the effects on the remaining flora and surrounding properties. Fundamental environmental changes will take place in terms of wildlife habitat, air and soil moisture retention, air quality, drainage, and increased heat and light. Wlt.i!sk that the number of tr~~cu_tJl!~JLrnt~ed to what is necessary for the footprint of ~ual building, but not for a portion of the paved areas. We know that this is not just individual trees, but a system of trees, shrubs, etc. which don't observe property lines. The health of the remaining trees is difficult to measure until it's too late. There seems to be a critical point at which the system's tolerance is over-taxed a,!d fails- in the Eugene/Springfield area, often with a 75' Douglas Fir in someone's kitchen. The spreading nature of the Douglas Fir root system seems to make them particularly dependant on neighboring trees, and susceptible to wind without them. The trees will be further stressed by the construction process and by the permanent covering of roots by impervious materials-all of this, a tl:areat to the tree (disease, falling, pests), and consequently, to surrounding properties. . In the past, Sperry Tree Care has been hired by Peace Health to work with the trees on the site in question, so they know the property. Alby Thoumsin from Sperry was recently on my property looking east to the target site and lamenting that arborists and architects.are not often asked to consult with equal weight well before the drawing and dreaming begin. Perhaps it's not too late to make some small but potent adjustments to the plan. JI'lej~sJ<Jbi!t.y.QIL=ider alternatives to a significant portion of the proposed 9,900 square feet of impervious surfaces. These surfaces shed rainfall and surface pollutants, creating new run off and erosion issues for neighbors and storm drains into rivers, lakes, and streams.. Instead, pervious pavements are designed to allow percolation or infiltration of storm water through the surface into the soil below it, where the water is naturally filtered, pollutants are removed, roots are fed, and temperatures are mediated. Qate Received:#~.r Planner: AI.. , . . " As you know, there are many alternatives for either "porous" (infiltrates water across the entire surface) or permeable (can be formed of impervious material, but allows infiltration through a pattern of voids) surfaces. A combination of these could be used to preserve the trees and environment, and to make the Birth Center more aesthetically pleasing. Using bricks, cinders, cobblestones, concrete blocks with planted openings, and/or large void patterns throughout paved areas are some possibilities. This would also be another opportunity for Peace Health to make a "green statement". In any case, there needs to be adequate !ID:Site drainage, to correspond with the reduced ability of the trees and earth to swallow. Our concern here is that run-offfrom petroleum-based (or other) will end up on our properties and in the small wetland and seasonal pond to the south, which (in spite of its "insignificant" classification!) is home to a teeming array of wildlife, is a well-used stop-over for migrating ducks and other birds, and is natural perfection in flood control through decades of weather. Building; We are concerned about tree-felling damage liability, facility signage, lighting, privacy, and security both during construction and future operation. You've assured that low-mounted, low-watt, downcast outdoor lighting is the now the norm, and we assume this would be used at the Birth Center site. If there is to be street sign age, neighbors would like to see a small, low sign in a color and style to blend with the natural surroundings. If a street sign is to be lighted, we request the minimum wattage necessary to iIIuminate-keeping'in mind that there is already a high powered street lamp at the entrance to the property, and that OML lights contribute to evening street lighting. . The trend for building site theft may bring criminal attention to the site and the neighborhood during construction. We can also expect a good number of curious wanders. How will the site be secured during construction and when operational? We ask that if security cameras are used, they not be trained on our properties, and that barriers are established between properties. Representing Peace Health, Mr. Farrington has always been courteous, responsible and accommodating in all aspects, and we have no doubt that this will be the ongoing case during the Birth Center building project and throughout future facility operation. As these things become known, we would like to be informed of the project timelines and milestones, including any tree felling. We would also like to know whether egress/ingress is planned for the south end of the property. If so, we would like to comment on that aspect at another time. This neighborhood is a unique residential oasis- and now "mixed use". Mixing uses doesn't necessarily (or even best) imply taking down the old to put up new. Despite some exteriors, this well-established green grove provides a very high quality of living for plants and animals (including humans), which becomes more and more difficult to find, cannot be truly replicated regardless of landscaping skills, and deserves attention toward preservation. It's complex, it's good for humans, it cleans the air, and it works in the strictest sense of the word and in myriad ways. Though Peace Health may have already addressed these issues responsibly, the comments are nonetheless offered as a general plea for the City to be genuine in attempts to preserve and protect the extraordinary beauty of Springfield- to balance the need for economic growth with a leadership model for green growth. Thank you for your consideration. . Sincerely, Dianna Larsen 377 Deadmond Ferry Rd. Springfield, OR 97477 pate Received: -:z/ ).,/ JM',( Planner: AI.