07/15/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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the need to rezone parkland. Again, there is no "list" enumerating all of the zoning and development requirements that will need deviations. (While this may or may not be of environmental concern or directly related to the EAW, the proposer has brought it "into play" here, so here is where I am commenting on it.) ._ I am excited to see the proposer has quoted the EAW Guidelines in this section. It shows that the proposer HAS read them, and cannot feign ignorance regarding the lack of inclusion or completeness of information supplied in the EAW. Whereas the views of wetlands and woods in the project area may be common in many areas of Lino Lakes and surrounding areas, it was unique with respect to available residential lots in Lino Lakes at the time of the development of Quail Ridge. The scenic beauty, the City's proposed mini -park on the island property, with trail access to the island and beyond to the Regional Park are prime reasons why many of the Quail Ridge residents chose to purchase and build homes in Quail Ridge. Yes, the view of undeveloped wetland, woods and the island is scenic. And, yes, a bridge is an unusual sight in residential development...especially an unsightly, 300 ft. long, nearly 20 ft high bridge. The aesthetic impact to the environment cannot be ignored. Section 26. Visual impacts. The answer to the state question regarding whether the project will create adverse visual impacts should be "Yes" not "No ". Proposer admits in Section 25 of the EAW that ..."a bridge is an unusual sight in residential developments, and a bridge 300 feet long would be a significant change to the view of several residents" (emphasis added). Again, the proposer needs to provide the RGU with drawings and color photographs of the proposed bridge design thus enabling the RGU to envision the adverse visual impact that the bridge will have on the environment. Proposer should also provide a "viewshed" of the affected areas. Section 27. Compatibility with plans and land use regulations. Comprehensive Plan: The reason the City's comprehensive park plan envisions a mini -park on this site, with a boardwalk trail connection to other areas is because the island property was originally (at the time the Quail Ridge development was constructed) designated parkland. It was represented as parkland to Quail Ridge residents at the time their residences were built. At a subsequent date, and without notification to Quail Ridge residents, the island park property was "swapped" by the City for another parcel then owned by Ed Vaughan. EAW Comments, Pheasant Hills 121 Addition Page 5