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These challenges underscore the importance of reconsidering the proposed development on County J and <br />Centerville. <br />Response: These are all well known environmental considerations and the purpose of the EAW was to assess <br />these factors and more. The proposed plans incorporate these into the design and future submittals will <br />expand on these issues. The goal of the development is to create a more diverse area of habitat and provide <br />higher level of stormwater management. <br />The preserved area encompasses various wetlands, forests, and prairies, all of which play a crucial role in <br />maintaining the health and stability of the local ecosystem. These habitats provide essential breeding grounds <br />for migratory birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, thereby ensuring that our community remains a vibrant <br />and diverse ecosystem. The area proposed for development is part of a 220-acre agricultural easement that is <br />intended to be perpetually protected from development. This easement serves as a buffer zone for wildlife and <br />the conserved area. <br />Some of the key benefits of having this agricultural easement surrounding the preserved North Oaks areas <br />include: <br />Protection of Open Space: Agricultural easements help preserve open spaces, preventing them from <br />being developed for non-agricultural uses. This maintains the natural landscape and provides <br />aesthetic and recreational benefits to the community. <br />Wildlife Habitat: These easements protect habitats for various species, including those that rely on <br />agricultural lands for breeding, feeding, and shelter. This contributes to biodiversity and supports <br />healthy ecosystems. <br />Environmental Quality: Agricultural easements help maintain soil health, water quality, and air quality <br />by preventing urban sprawl and promoting sustainable farming practices. <br />Buffer Zones: They act as buffer zones around conserved areas, reducing the impact of urban <br />development on these sensitive environments. <br />Economic Benefits: By keeping land in agricultural use, these easements support local farming <br />economies and can provide financial benefits to landowners through tax incentives and conservation <br />funding. <br />Cultural and Historical Preservation: Agricultural easements can protect lands with historical or <br />cultural significance, preserving the heritage and traditional uses of the land. <br />Climate Resilience: Maintaining agricultural lands can enhance climate resilience by sequestering <br />carbon, reducing flood risks, and supporting local food production. <br />Response: The easement that the commentor was referencing within this section is a conservation area <br />located within the City of North Oaks. This conservation area consists of 620 acres of conservation easement <br />as well as 220 acres of agricultural easement. The commentor was under the impression that the project was <br />located within this conservation area. While the project is located adjacent to it, it is not located within any <br />existing easement area and is therefore not beholden to any of the easement restrictions. See below for a map <br />of the easement area in relation to the project area. <br />14 <br />