Administration - Dan Schluender, City Engineer
Title
Title
Resolution Finding No Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lexington Waters Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
end
Executive Summary
The Excelsior Group has prepared and submitted an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed Lexington Waters Development. The EAW is intended to determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required. Lexington Waters development is proposed to be approximately 296 residential properties with associated municipal streets, municipal sanitary sewer, municipal water, stormwater basins, wetland preservation and parkland on 115.45 acres.
Schedule of Actions
City Council (Authorizing EAW Submittal)
6/21/2021
EQB Publish Date
6/29/2021
Review Comment Period Ends
7/29/2021
City Council (Negative Declaration-Tentative)
8/16/2021
Background
The Lexington Waters development is a proposed residential development covering approximately 115 acres of land in the northeastern part of the City, East of Lexington Ave NE at the 131st Avenue alignment, immediately and south of the City of Ham Lake/City of Blaine boundary. The development is proposed to contain approximately 296 housing units with 176 single-family homes and 120 detached townhomes proposed. The size and scope of the development requires the preparation and processing of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) under MN Rules 4410.
On June 29th, council initiated the formal environmental review process for the proposed Lexington Waters development, by approving Resolution 21-132 which acknowledges submittal of the EAW to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for publication and public comment. The EAW was published by the Environmental Quality Board (EQB), and official public comment period began on June 29th and closed on July 29th.
The EAW outlines and describes the potential development 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 considered to be complete and appropriate for submission to all of the regulating agencies.
The City Council, acting as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), will be able to review any agency or public comments, see attached, that have been submitted and consider whether the EAW is adequate and determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required. It is recommended that the City Council accept the EAW and not require an EIS.
Strategic Plan Relationship
An EAW provides for well maintained and planned infrastructure.
Board/Commission Review
Schedule:
EQB Publication Notice 06-28-2021
30 Day Comment Period Ends 07-29-2021
Council Determination (tentative) 08-16-2021
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Public Outreach/Input
The required 30-day public comment period occurred between June 29, 2021 and July 29. 2021. Seven comments were received and have been addressed.
Staff Recommendation
By motion, approve the Resolution.
Attachment List
Response to Comments, Findings of Fact and Record of Decision (EAW)
body
WHEREAS, Minnesota Rules 4410.4300, Subp. 19.D. requires that an EAW be prepared for projects with at least 250 detached residential units in a city within the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area that has adopted a comprehensive plan under Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.859; and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2021, an EAW was completed for Lexington Waters Residential Development, which will consist of up to 296 single-family homes and 120 townhomes; and
WHEREAS, on June 28, 2021, copies of the EAW were distributed to all persons and agencies on the official Environmental Quality Board (EQB) distribution list and other interested parties; and
WHEREAS, on June 29, 2021, the EAW was publicly noticed in the EQB Monitor, commencing the 30-day public comment period; and
WHEREAS, a press release or public notice was submitted to the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life newspaper announcing the completion of the EAW, its availability to interested parties, and the process for submitting comments on the EAW; and
WHEREAS, the 30-day comment period ended on July 29, 2021 at 4:30 p.m., and the City of Blaine accepted and responded to all written comments received; and
WHEREAS, none of the comments received recommended preparation of an EIS, and none suggested the project had the potential to cause significant environmental effects.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that:
1. The EAW was prepared in compliance with the procedures of the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Rules, Parts 4410.1000 to 4410.1700;
2. The EAW satisfactorily addressed the environmental issues for which existing information could have been reasonably obtained;
3. Based on the criteria established in Minnesota Rules 4410.1700, the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects;
4. The City makes a "Negative Declaration;"
5. An EIS is not required; and
6. The City adopts the Response to Comments, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision for Lexington Waters Residential Development Environmental Assessment Worksheet (Record of Decision) and directs the Community Development Director to maintain the Record of Decision and distribute it in accordance with Minnesota Rules.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 16th day of August, 2021.