20230426 Environmental Board Packet Combined

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2 • Landscape Plan prepared by Midwest Landscapes, dated 4-10-23 • Stormwater Management Plan and Calculations prepared by Sisu Land Surveying and Engineering, dated 4-02-23 • Design Phase Geotechnical Exploration Report prepared by Chosen Valley Testing, Inc., dated 3-13-23 ANALYSIS General Site Characteristics Per the applicant’s narrative, Milestones Education is purchasing the 4.22 acre property located on Apollo Drive just west of the Casey’s gas station and convenience store located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Apollo Drive and Lake Drive (CSAH 23). The proposed project includes dividing the parcel into 2 lots, and constructing a childcare facility on roughly half of the property. The facility will accommodate 189 children and approximately 40 employees. The childcare facility will include classrooms, full commercial kitchen, indoor gym facilities, and outdoor play areas. Land Cover Pre-settlement land cover (Marschner) was oak openings and barrens, a fire-dependent savanna dominated by oaks with an understory of forbs and grasses. Current land cover (Minnesota Land Cover Classification System) on the site includes long grasses and forbs on upland soils. The tree survey indicates a mix of red cedar, boxelder, aspen, Siberian elm, and a few smaller oaks. Rare, Unique, or Significant Resources Forster’s tern (Sterna forsteri) has been identified within a mile of the project site. This species utilizes open water and marsh for feeding and breeding habitat. The project is not expected to impact this species. Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) has been observed within a one-mile radius of the site. Highways, roads, and other development separate the project site from suitable habitat for this species. Any sightings of this species, while unlikely, should be reported to City staff so that the turtles can be safely relocated. Project-related impacts to this species are unlikely, and additional protection measures are not required.