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