Council approves site plan for proposed bank on Merle Hay Road after tree and design concerns

The Johnston City Council on May 20 approved a site plan for a proposed 3,334‑square‑foot financial institution at 5565 Merle Hay Road in the Beaver Farms Plaza PUD.

Planning staff Michael Dell described the proposal as a new bank with a one‑way drive‑through, primary entrance on the east side and parking that includes EV‑ready spaces and bicycle parking. The applicant proposes to preserve more than 20 trees on site, remove three trees and 21 shrubs for driveway maneuvering and replace plantings beyond the city's minimum requirements: staff said the plan provides about 41.6% open space and proposes 19 trees and 74 shrubs against minimum requirements.

Several council members voiced concern that removing large, well‑established maple trees (30–35 feet tall) would reduce canopy and streetscape continuity along Merle Hay Road. One councilor asked the applicant to consider planting up to six replacement trees rather than three to restore canopy value. Council members also said the west and south elevations visible from Merle Hay Road appear more like the ‘back’ of the building and asked staff to encourage the applicant to refine façade treatments and provide additional openings or architectural interest.

Cody Weaver of Civil Engineering Consultants, representing the design team, said the layout sought to minimize impacts and move the building as far east as possible to preserve existing conditions; staff indicated they would relay council design requests to the applicant.

After discussion the council moved, seconded and approved the site plan (Resolution 202-150). Staff will work with the applicant to address the council’s landscaping and façade concerns during final plan processing.