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26. Adverse Visual Impacts <br />Will the project create adverse visual impacts during construction or operation? Such <br />as glare from intense lights, lights visible in wilderness areas and large visible <br />plumes from cooling towers or exhaust stacks? X Yes No <br />If yes, explain. If any non -routine visual impacts would occur from the anticipated <br />development, this should be discussed here along with appropriate mitigation. <br />The current visual aesthetic on the site is one of an actively farmed area surrounded by <br />residences to the north, a busy state highway and commercial strip to the immediate <br />south, and commercial strips to the east and west. Although views from the site will not <br />be impacted, those used to viewing farmland on the site will have a change. <br />Views during construction will change from the agricultural view currently seen at the <br />site. Although -adverse" is not a quantitative measure relative to visual impressions, it is <br />anticipated that most would consider an active construction site as less than visually <br />appealing. <br />Views from the Mississippi River northward are not likely to be directly impacted <br />because of the elevation difference between the River and the site. The site elevation is <br />between about 860' and 865', with a knoll on the north end of the site reaching about <br />880'. The Mississippi River through this reach is about 830' and located below a <br />forested bluff. Direct viewing of the Ramsey Town Center will not be possible from the <br />River. However, lights emanating from the site would likely be seen once the site is <br />developed. <br />Summary of Environmental Impact. Conversion of agricultural land to urbanized land <br />will have a net change in views that many do not view positively. Changing this view of <br />-epen land" to one of a fully developed urban area, however, is part of the City's plan for <br />its growth. The impacts of the conversion, however, can be mitigated, as outlined in the <br />next section. <br />Mitigation element. Light emissions from commercial and residential areas cannot be <br />avoided because of safety issues and the need for residences and businesses to see clearly <br />at night. City Ordinance 9.11.07 describes any lighting used to illuminate an off-street <br />parking area, sign, or other structure, must be arranged so that the light is deflected away <br />from residential districts and public streets. Bulbs emitting in excess of 3,000 lumens <br />(150 watts) must be arranged so that the light is not visible outside of the property where <br />the light is located. There are several methodologies of acceptable screening methods for <br />these nuisances that can also be used for transitioning from high- to low -density <br />residential or from residential to commercial areas. Screening methods typically include <br />a vegetative barrier no less than five feet high or other natural materials. Applying <br />shields to street and parking lot lamps directs the light to the ground surface where it's <br />wanted, not into the adjacent neighborhood. All of these practices should minimize the <br />impact of the light at the River, but will not eliminate it. <br />26-1 <br />