ITEM: 11.1 DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS - Bryan K. Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET (EAW) FOR BALL ROAD RETAIL (WAL-MART) TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD (EQB). (CASE FILE NO. 13-0010/BKS)
Schedule of Actions
City Council (Initiating Discretionary EAW) |
02/21/13 |
City Council (Workshop Discussion) |
05/09/13 |
City Council (Authorizing EAW Submittal) |
06/06/13 |
EQB Publish Date |
06/24/13 |
Review Comment Period Ends |
07/24/13 |
City Council (Negative Declaration - Tentative) |
08/01/13 |
Background
The City of Blaine, in order to initiate the formal environmental review process for the Ball Road retail project, will need to authorize the EAW submittal and publication. Once released and published by the EQB (Environmental Quality Board) the official public comment period will begin. That comment period is expected to open June 24th and will run thru July 24th.
The Ball Road retail project is envisioned to consist of an 182,171 square foot Wal-Mart along with smaller outlot development with up to 24,900 square feet of retail, office or restaurant uses. With a total project size of approximately 207,000 it is well below the size threshold of 300,000 that would require a mandatory EAW. The City Council however authorized the preparation of a Discretionary EAW under MN Rules 4410.1000.
The EAW outlines and describes the potential project and assesses the potential impacts on a wide variety of environmental issues. The EAW document, which has been prepared by the Developer's planning consultant, MFRA, Inc., has been reviewed by staff and is felt to be complete and appropriate for submission to all of the regulatory agencies.
The EAW was presented at the City Council's May 9th workshop. A number of project scale questions were asked regarding neighborhood traffic and storm drainage, some of which were directly project related but below the significant impact level of the EAW. Those questions are outlined in the attached staff memo and will continue to be looked at as project details come forward as part of future development applications.
Tentatively, on August 1, 2013, the City Council, acting as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), will be able to review any agency or public comments that have been submitted and consider whether the EAW is adequate and determine that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the Resolution.
Attachments
Location Map
EAW Document
(All supporting studies and documents are available in the Planning Department or on the City of Blaine website)
EAW Site Plan
Memo - Project Scale Questions
Stormwater Routes Map
Body
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart and the property owner Mr. Harstad have proposed the development of an 182,171 square foot retail store along with up to 24,900 square feet retail, office or restaurant on smaller parcels in the area of Lexington Avenue and Ball Road on the south side of I35W; and
WHEREAS, the project, based on discussions and consensus of the City Council was felt to be appropriate for a Discretionary Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) under MN Rules 4410.1000; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine is the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU); and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) has been prepared and the City Council has reviewed the EAW.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the submittal of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for publication, which initiates the public comment period and distribution to required agencies and organizations together with required press release and legal notice.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 6th day of June 2013.