12/20/2006 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Nature's Refuge DRAFT DECEMBER 14, 2006 EAW Record of Decision page 13 Land Use • The Metropolitan Council notes that the density of 2.78 units per acre is below the Metropolitan Council standard for sewered, urban development. The Met Council also notes that a portion of the project currently is not within the City's Metropolitan Urban Service Area so some of the City's undesignated MUSA must be applied. Response: The Metropolitan Council density standard of 3.0 units per acre for sewered urban development is a citywide average for new development. It is correct that this project's density is lower than that. Development of higher density elsewhere in the city will be included in the citywide average. The City allocates MUSA reserve acres at the time of preliminary plat approval. If this project reaches the approval stage, MUSA will be allocated then. Parks and Open Space • The Metropolitan Council comments that the majority of the site is withing a Metro Wildlife Conservation Corridor and a Regionally Significant Ecological Area of Outstanding Quality, while the eastern portion of the site is a Regionally Significant Natural Resources Area of High Quality, as designated by the DNR and the Metropolitan Council. • The Metropolitan Council notes that the south portion of the property lies along the proposed Central Anoka County Regional Trail. The City should coordinate with Anoka County Parks to define the relationship of this trail with the development. Response: The EAW describes the trails through the development and how they implement the City's System Plan. It was an oversight that the EAW did not mention this important transportation trail along CSAH 14. The Lino Lakes Parks, Natural Open Space /Greenways and Trail System Plan includes a "proposed designated bike route" along CSAH 14, the route of the Central Anoka County Regional Trail. The Central Anoka County Regional Trail is tentatively planned along the south side of Main Street. When funding becomes available the County will consider funding and trail needs when comparing an off road trail vs. a paved roadway shoulder. The regional trail may fulfill the City's desire for a bike route.