Agenda - Council - 10/24/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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growth in this area. The City's 2040 Plan expects TAZ #54 to gain 12 (twelve) households and no population during 2020-2040. These expectations will need revision to account for the proposed 498 households. Housing (Olivia Boerschinger, 651-602-1327) The City is currently inconsistent with the Council's Housing Policy Plan. The 2040 Plan provides insufficient land guided to address the City's share of the region's 2021-2030 need for affordable housing by 233 units. The proposed development in the EAW increases the City's inventory of land guided to support the development of low- and moderate-income housing. A comprehensive plan amendment has not been submitted for this development/change but will be needed. With the development proposed in the EAW, the Plan would guide approximately 35 acres of previously low density residential, to high density residential, such that 280 units could be built. This proposal would provide sufficient land guided for affordable housing and address the City's share of housing need. The proposed development does not specify if any units will be made affordable. When the City submits a comprehensive plan amendment determined consistent with the Housing Policy Plan, eligibility for participation in Livable Communities Act (LCA) programs can be restored. Item 10—Transportation (Victoria Dan, Metro Transit 612-349-7648) While it is true that there is no transit service currently operating within one mile of the site, the nearest park-and-ride facility is at Anoka Station approximately 2 miles away, providing access to Northstar Commuter Rail as well as suburban local Route 805. Item 12—Water Resources (John Clark, MCES 651-602-1452) The project is adjacent to a city of Ramsey drinking water supply management area (DWSMA). Source water protection objectives and activities are outlined in the Ramsey Wellhead Protection Plan. The project would benefit by considering source water protection goals and strategies during the development and post-development activities on site. The wetland within the project area is mapped as having a connection to underlying aquifers and is surrounded by sandy surficial deposits. Any contaminants that enter the ground on site may move relatively easily to the wetland and underlying groundwater system. Two domestic wells have been identified on site. Sealing these wells according to MDH guidelines is essential to protect groundwater and water supplies. Additionally, two storage tanks are identified on site. The recommended Phase 2 subsurface investigation should be conducted. Tank removal and remediation would benefit nearby source waters. The EAW mentions repurposing these wells for irrigation on site. This activity should be evaluated to determine if the wells are in condition to meet the irrigation demands. Potential impacts on the groundwater source and related connection to the nearby wetland should also be considered. To avoid the need for irrigated water from a groundwater source on site or from a treated municipal supply, on-site reuse options should be explored. Sites planted with native drought tolerant landscaping require less water and fertilizers than turfgrasses. In areas planted with turfgrasses, selecting low-input (water and nutrients) species will help to limit unnecessary water use and lower maintenance costs. If irrigation systems will be installed on-site, using smart irrigation controllers that are connected to soil moisture sensors and real-time weather data will help to ensure that water is used efficiently, helping to keep costs down and lessen stress on water resources. Page-2 1 August 29,2023 1 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL