07/15/2004 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • findings has been submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for their comment. The SHPO review number for the project is 2001 -3540. • The soils of the site are not prime farmlands for the region. Most of the land surrounding the eight proposed lots is wetland. This land would only be suitable for rice or other wetland suitable crops. The majority of the upland is wooded and sloped and would need to be cleared and leveled for agricultural purposes. • The property to the north of the proposed development is within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Preserve. There are no trails present or planned within the park reserve near the proposed project site. The only access to the park reserve from the proposed project would be by water. The residential development would not generate activity that would impact the park. The wetland area surrounding the Quail Ridge development was dedicated to the City with the Quail Ridge plat for parkland purposes. Part of this dedicated area is located between the proposed development and the Quail Ridge development. • In regard to "scenic views and vistas ", the EAW Guidelines states: These may include spectacular viewing points along lakes, rivers or bluffs; virgin timber tracts; prairie remnants; geological features; waterfalls; specimen trees; or plots of wildflowers. Many are not officially designated or marked, but because of their local or statewide interest should be considered by the RGU. Impacts on the visual quality or integrity of these resources should be addressed as well as the physical impacts. A view of undeveloped wetland and woods may well be considered scenic. "Spectacular view" is probably an exaggeration in this case, since the views of wetlands and woods in the project area are common in many areas of Lino Lakes and surrounding communities. If the project proceeds, the view for existing nearby residents will include houses that were not there before, and a bridge. The appearance of new homes is a common change in any outer suburb in a metropolitan area. However, 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. 26. Visual impacts. Will the project create adverse visual impacts during construction or operation such as glare from intense lights, lights visible in wilderness areas and large visible plumes from cooling towers or exhaust stacks? 0 Yes Q No If yes, explain. No construction will occur beyond daylight hours. No glare or intense lights are proposed during construction or after completion of this residential project. The project is not part of any state designated wilderness area. Environmental Assessment Worksheet Page 19 Pheasant Hills 121" Addition