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Council allows specimen-tree removals for proposed Panda Express site; removal contingent on final site plan approval
Summary
The council approved a resolution permitting removal of two specimen slash pines for a proposed Panda Express site, with the condition that the vegetation removal permit cannot be executed until the final site plan is approved. Vote was unanimous 5-0.
The Town Council approved resolution 20-26-42, authorizing the removal of specimen trees associated with the Groves Town Center plat for a proposed Panda Express site, but conditioned the vegetation removal permit on final site-plan approval.
Aaron Moore, agent for the applicant, told the council there are four specimen slash pines on the site; two recently died and two remaining trees (about 14'15 inches) are in declining condition and cannot be retained given the constrained building pad. Staff confirmed the landscape plan has been reviewed and will be enforced as part of subsequent site-plan approvals. Council members asked that no tree removal occur prior to final site-plan sign-off; the applicant and staff affirmed that the vegetation removal permit would not authorize cutting until the site plan is approved.
Council passed the resolution unanimously (5-0). Staff noted mitigation, relocation of palms as part of the landscape plan, and that the applicant will present the full site-plan package to PZB and BTV in coming months.
Next steps: applicant to complete site-plan approvals, place required landscape mitigation and tree relocation measures into final permits, and obtain the vegetation removal permit only after final site-plan approval.
