12-09-2024 Council Meeting Agenda Packet

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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING STAFF REPORT AGENDA ITEM 6E STAFF ORIGINATOR: Tom Hoffman, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: December 9, 2024 TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 24-166, Approving Distribution of Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for North Oaks Mixed Use Development VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority INTRODUCTION Staff is requesting authorization to distribute the North Oaks Mixed Use Development EAW for public comment. BACKGROUND North Oaks Company, LLC (Developer) is proposing a mixed -use development project on approximately 120 acres abutting Centerville Road and Ash St in the southcentral quadrant of the City. The property is guided for low, medium and high -density residential uses in the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Due to the proposed number of residential units, preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is required by Minnesota Rules. The process operates according to rules adopted by the state's Environmental Quality Board (EQB). The EAW document is designed to provide a brief analysis and overview of the potential environmental impacts for a specific project and to help the City, referred to as the Responsible Government Unit (RGU), determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary. The questions contained within the document are established by the EQB. The EAW is not meant to approve or disapprove a project but is simply a source of information to guide other approvals and permitting decisions. In fact, it is one of the advantages to larger scale development projects. Preparation of the EAW will help inform the design of the project before the submittal of a formal development application. The information provided in the EAW was prepared by the development team and reviewed by City Staff and the City's Engineer WSB and Associates and determined to be complete. The next