Agenda - Council - 04/11/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. The City of Ramsey is the Responsible Governmental Unit(RGU)for the EAW, and therefore owns the document and has final decision power on the content of the document. Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is mandatory for this project due to the number of proposed lots. An EAW is a baseline environmental review that studies traffic, congestion, air quality, ecological resources, historical resources, etc. It is a simple planning tool that helps entities that approve projects that will alter the physical development of a property better understand the potential impacts. An EAW requires a specific project to be under review. An EIS is a much more in depth environmental review for significantly large project or project with the potential for significant environmental impacts. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may be necessary based on the findings of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). An EIS is not automatically required based on the mandatory thresholds, but could be triggered by the findings of the EAW. Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) 'AW An Alternative Urban Areawide Review(AUAR)is an option in lieu of an EAW.An AUAR is a tool that allows communities to look more comprehensively and proactively and potential environmental impacts. It does not require a specific project to be under review. The project is part of a broader small area planning effort. Other future uses adjacent to the project include a 1)future business park, 2) redevelopment of an existing industrial park to retail, and 3) a future high density residential area. If timing were not a concern with a specific project desiring to commence this year, the City would recommend this approach. However, as there is a specific project with a specific timeline, the City supports forgoing this option in lieu of the traditional AUAR. Park Dedication IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIkL 1. It is the policy of the City to favor larger, accessible neighborhood and community public parks with quality amenities and improvements over smaller, pocket parks with few to no 'destination' improvements. 2. The Master Park and Trail Plan for the project area is to be serviced by improvements (existing and proposed) within Lake Itasca Park, the Lake Itasca Trail, and The COR. The area is further served by greenway trail connections between these two significant recreation opportunities (Lake Itasca Park and The COR). 3. The City supports smaller recreational areas and open space within individual developments when properly maintained by homeowners. 4. The City supports pursuing the following in negotiations for cost-share/Park Dedication and Trail Fee credit: a. Mass grading of Lake Itasca Park predicated upon an approved concept plan, which may include export of fill from the park for the proposed subdivision. b. Specific stand-alone improvements to Lake Itasca Park. For example, future parking parking areas and boardwalk/pier to Lake Itasca, canoe/kayak station, or establishment of native landscapes (following grading). c. Alpine Drive Roundabout (Staff recommended exploration only).