10/12/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

I -35E Corridor Final AUAR September 26, 2005 • Executive Summary The I -35E Corridor Final AUAR has been prepared for the City of Lino Lakes (city) in accordance with Minnesota Rules Chapter 4410. This AUAR process was prompted by the fact that large portions of the AUAR area are facing development pressure, that the city has a strong commitment to conserving natural resources and that the city wants to balance development with natural resource conservation. The city determined that undergoing the AUAR process would provide the city with an invaluable tool as they plan for and manage growth within the northeastern portion of the city (Figure 5 -1). The AUAR follows the format of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and provides a level of analysis commensurate with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The large geographic scope of the AUAR area (over 4,500 acres) allows for a comprehensive analysis of the cumulative impacts of development within the AUAR area (Figure 5 -2). Mn Rules state that, "the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) may specify more than one scenario of anticipated development provided that at least one scenario is consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan. At least one scenario must be consistent with any known development plans of property owners within the area," (Mn Rules. Chapter 4410.3610 subp.3). This AUAR includes a review of three development scenarios. 1. Scenario One is consistent with the adopted plans of the city and allows for an additional 2,237 housing units, 2,985,733 ft2 of commercial uses, and 11,175,035 ft2 of industrial uses (see Figure 6- 2). 2. Scenario Two is based on known development plans of property owners within the AUAR area and has a commercial and industrial emphasis (see Figure 6 -3). Scenario Two allows for an additional 5,715 housing units, 5,617,890 ft2 of commercial uses, and 9,570,045 ft2 of industrial uses. 3. Scenario Three has a residential emphasis and allows for an additional 8,659 housing units, 4,141,554 ft2 of commercial uses, and 5,829,722 ft2 of industrial uses (see Figure 6 -4). Distribution of the proposed Final AUAR does not constitute approval of any specific project pursuant to zoning, subdivision, or other official controls of the City of Lino Lakes. Rather, preparation and distribution of the proposed Final AUAR is mandated by the Environmental Review Program, Environmental Quality Board, Chapter 4410 Minnesota Rules. Any proposed specific project within the AUAR area remains subject to applicable local zoning, subdivision, or other official controls. Specific projects that are consistent with the assumptions of the adopted Final AUAR and which comply with the mitigation plan within the Final AUAR are exempt from further environmental review pursuant to Minnesota Rules Section 4410.3610 Subp. 5 E. AUAR PROCESS SUMMARY This AUAR process is unique in that it includes a strong public participation and an agency participation component throughout the process, rather than only involving the public-and reviewing agencies after the Draft AUAR is completed, which is the standard process required by Minnesota Rules. To ensure very strong and timely communication and the participation of numerous key stakeholder groups throughout the planning process, an Advisory Panel was selected to serve as the primary working group during the course of the research, planning and environmental review process. The Advisory Panel includes property and business owners within the AUAR area as well as members of the city's Planning and Zoning Board, Environmental Board, and Economic Development Advisory Committee. All information, work products, findings and recommendations developed by the AUAR consultant team were presented to the Advisory Panel for its review and comment. Also, this information was made available to the general public on the city's website viii