DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS - Bryan K. Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
DECLARING A NEGATIVE NEED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR PARKSIDE NORTH (PAXMAR) TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD (EQB) AT LEXINGTON AVENUE/SOUTH OF 125th AVENUE (CASE FILE NO. 14-0034/BKS)
Schedule of Actions
City Council (Authorizing EAW Submittal) |
08/07/14 |
EQB Publish Date |
08/18/14 |
Review Comment Period Ends |
09/17/14 |
City Council (Negative Declaration) |
10/16/14 |
Background
The Parkside North development is envisioned to consist of a mixed use
development covering approximately 135 acres located at the southeast corner of
Lexington Avenue and 125th Avenue. The project is proposed to contain up to
600 housing units of varying density and style and up to 120,000 square feet of
commercial retail, service or office uses. The project would be phased over 3-5
years depending on market conditions. The size and scope of the project required
the preparation and processing of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet
(EAW) under MN Rules 4410.
The EAW outlines and describes the potential project and assesses the potential impacts on a wide variety of environmental issues. The City of Blaine as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), will need to consider whether the EAW is adequate and determine, based in part by the agency comments, that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required.
During the 30-day comment period, which extended from August 18th to September 17th, the City received six responses (three with comments)from public agencies. Those agencies responding were:
· Anoka County Highway Department |
· Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
· Metropolitan Council |
· Minnesota Department of Transportation (Offered No Comment) |
· Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (Offered No Comment) |
· Minnesota Historical Society (Offered No Comment) |
Attached to this cover are the three agency comments that were received as well as a City response to each comment.
Generally the comments received from the three public agencies fell into two categories:
· Sought clarification and provided some suggestions for managing the sensitive plant species and required buffer/habitat. |
· Were intended to outline next steps, provide guidance on permitting or were comments on details that will need to be developed once more formal plans are reviewed for permitting. |
While several of the comments will require additional review and coordination with the respective agencies or will otherwise be addressed through the various permits that will be required, none of the comments from the three commenting agencies suggested the need for an EIS.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the Resolution Declaring a Negative Need For Preparation of an EIS.
Attachments
Location Map
EAW Comments (DNR, Met Council, ACHD)
City/Project Response Matrix
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine is the regulatory governmental unit (RGU) in the processing of a Mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Parkside North Development on Lexington Avenue south of 125th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the EAW is based on a development proposal for the Parkside North project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine has submitted a copy of the EAW to all public agencies on the EAW distribution list, publishing EAW availability in the EQB Monitor on August 18, 2014, all of which were done in accordance with applicable State laws, rules, and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the 30-day comment period ended on September 17, 2014, with three public agencies submitting letters with comments; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine acknowledges the responses from the MPCA, MnDOT, Met Council, DNR, ACHD and State Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine has considered the comments that were received and prepared findings and responses to the submitted comments; and.
WHEREAS, the none of the comments received support or suggest a need for an EIS on the proposed project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine must also consider the following factors as set forth in Minnesota Rules, Part 4410.1700 in determining whether the Project has the potential for significant environmental effects; and
WHEREAS, the City must base its decision on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the Parkside North development on the record of decision for the project which includes the EAW, the comments received during the public comment period, the responses to the comments, updated information arising out of ongoing regulatory review and coordination; and other available information regarding the project in possession of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Blaine, based on the EAW, the decision of record and findings of fact, the responses to comments and application of Minnesota Rules, Part 4410.1700, hereby makes a negative declaration on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the Parkside North.