Land-use committee sends MBR Carmel Health PUD to council after landscaping, drainage commitments

The Land Use Committee reviewed the MBR Carmel Health planned-unit development on March 4, hearing a presentation of updated exhibits that included a proposed right-of-way dedication for a possible Richland–City Center Drive connection, a revised rain garden, and an expanded landscaping plan.

A Dentons representative explained the exhibits and the possibility of additional right-of-way dedications if the project moves forward. The petitioner proposed increased plantings—examples given included 25% more ornamental plantings on the east side and 50% more ornamentals on the north side—and proposed a composite wood privacy fence rather than a white vinyl fence. Ben Bemis (CEC) and other technical consultants were available to discuss engineering and planting choices.

On stormwater, the petitioner’s technical representative described a system of underground detention, permeable pavers and a storm-sewer network to convey runoff to the public storm sewer on City Center Drive. The representative said the project would capture and treat most runoff from the new site; in describing capture rates the representative stated that "approximately 1.75, which is 95% of this new site, will be captured, treated and detained." The petitioner said a detailed drainage report is required as part of the next design/permitting phase.

Committee members asked that the enhanced landscaping and the selected fence material be reflected either in the ordinance text or as an exhibit so the commitments are enforceable in permitting. A motion to send the MBR Carmel Health PUD to the full council with a positive recommendation passed by the committee (recorded as 2–1), and staff and petitioner agreed to circulate the redlined ordinance and exhibits to councilors before the council hearing.