Agenda - Council - 01/26/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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included in the attached review memo. Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) The State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) administers mandatory environmental review parameters. For a project of this type, an EAW would not be required if the project is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and less than 250 units. While the project is less than 250 units, it does require a Comprehensive Plan Amendment due to the detached townhomes and therefore meets the criteria for Mandatory EAW. The City Council cannot take action on the Preliminary Plat until the EAW process is finalized. The Riverstone North Neighborhood went through this same process without issue. Given the quality ecological resources (significant native tree canopy and proximity to Mississippi River), the relative closeness of meeting the mandatory criteria based on lot count (242/250), Staff was leaning towards recommending a discretionary EAW anyway. All materials have been prepared for the EAW, it is just a matter of process at this point. Bowers Drive Connection Direction of the City Council at Sketch Plan Phase was to not create a second connection within the previous Pearson Place to Bowers Drive as previously discussed. However, the Developer shall still be required to extend watermain with a hydrant at Bowers Drive through the City -Owned Parcel for public safety purposes and improved Fire Department Response. Architectural Standards Generally speaking, the City requires a sliding scale of increased architectural elements as density increases/lot sizes decrease. This is a fair trade off for allowing smaller lots. The intent of the regulations is not simply to create a smaller lot for a standard, basic dwelling. There remain ample opportunities for the style of homes in areas throughout the community. Staff will honor any direction provided by the Planning Commission and City Council, but highly recommends a higher degree of architectural control, especially for the detached townhomes. The parameters have been included in the attached resolution. The City has some additional discretion in this project. 1. Project Requires Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment (highest level of discretion the City can have in land use decisions) 2. The Project is requesting that the City contribute dollars to the Riverdale Drive Extension Previous Steps • Concept Plan Review • Planning Framework • Sketch Plan Future Steps • Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) • Final Plat • Riverdale Drive Extension Approval Alternatives 1. Approve the project as presented 2. Request amendments to the project 3. Postpone action requesting additional information 4. Deny the project Funding Source: