DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS - Bryan K. Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET (EAW) FOR PARKSIDE NORTH (PAXMAR) TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD (EQB). (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 - Tentative) |
10/02/14 or 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 requires the preparation and processing of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) under MN Rules 4410.
The City of Blaine, in order to initiate the formal environmental review process for the Parkside North 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 August 18th and will close September 17th.
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 consultants, has been reviewed by staff and is felt to be complete and appropriate for submission to all of the regulatory agencies.
Tentatively, on either October 2, 2014 or October 16, 2014, 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
EAW Document and Summary
(All supporting studies and documents are available in the City Planning or Engineering Department)
Body
WHEREAS, Paxmar Development has proposed the development of a 135 acre mixed use residential and commercial project with up 600 housing units and up to 120,000 square feet of commercial space in the area of Lexington Avenue and 125th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the project, based on the intended size and scope requires the preparation of a Mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) under MN Rules 4410; 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 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 7th day of August 2014.