CY07-26

Request of ERM, on behalf of the CenterPoint Energy, for a preliminary plat review of CNP Mankato First Addition. The subject property is described as part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, a tract of land located in the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, part of a parcel lying within the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West, all located in the City of Mankato, Blue Earth County (2400 N. Riverfront Drive, BE County PID’s R010905176004, R010905176003, R010905176002, R010905176001).

The applicant is ERM, on behalf of CenterPoint Energy.
 

The applicant is requesting a preliminary plat review of CNP Mankato First Addition.
 

The subject property is described as part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, a tract of land located in the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, part of a parcel lying within the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West, all located in the City of Mankato, Blue Earth County (2400 N. Riverfront Drive / BEC PID’s R010905176004, R010905176003, R010905176002, R010905176001).

The subject property is currently in use by CenterPoint Energy Minnesota, for an industrial use. The subject property also includes a portion of agricultural land used for row cropping.
 

The subject property is currently zoned M-2, Heavy Industrial District.

There are multiple wetlands located on the subject property. A wetland was delineated along the southern property boundary. A second wetland is centrally located on the southern half of the site. This wetland is located directly east of the railroad track where it terminates on the property. The third wetland was delineated along the southwestern property boundary, just north of the railroad track as shown on the proposed preliminary plat.
 

The subject property is currently served by public utilities.

The applicant, ERM, on behalf of CenterPoint Energy, is requesting preliminary plat approval of CNP Mankato First Addition. The subdivision encompasses the existing subject property addressed as 2400 N. Riverfront Drive and currently in use as CenterPoint Energy Minnesota. The proposed subdivision area also includes a portion of agricultural land currently used for row cropping.
 
The subject property is legally described as part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, part of the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, a tract of land located in the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West; AND, part of a parcel lying within the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, Section 5, Township 108 North, Range 26 West, all located in the City of Mankato, Blue Earth County (2400 N. Riverfront Drive / BEC PID’s R010905176004, R010905176003, R010905176002, R010905176001)
 
The preliminary plat proposes the creation of a one-lot, one-block subdivision containing approximately 14.83 acres. As the property is currently unplatted, subdivision approval is required to bring the parcels into conformance with City subdivision regulations and to support current and future development on the site. There are no new public dedications proposed with the plat.

The proposed preliminary plat does not depict the standard easements required on plat. The applicant shall provide an updated plat that reflects the drainage and utility easements required.

As the property is currently served by public utility infrastructure, the applicant does not propose any additional public utility connections.

The proposed preliminary plat shows multiple wetlands located on the subject property. The applicant has received a Notice of Decision for a "no-loss" decision under Minnesota Rule 8420.0415. Subpart A. Based on this finding, the proposal will not impact existing wetlands located on the subject property.

Access to the site will not be modified, as access will continue to be provided via Riverfront Drive. Any additional or modified access points will be subject to review and approval by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Blue Earth County, and the City of Mankato.

The applicant is seeking to plat the subject property in order to further develop the property in two phases, with a solar farm and a green hydrogen production and storage facility. The hydrogen energy facility, designated as phase II, is proposed to be located just north of the existing facility and will operate as a peak power plant that will provide 1-megawatt of energy. The 1-megawatt solar farm shown in the concept plan is proposed to be constructed to the west of the existing development as part of phase I.

Because the property was never platted previously, parkland dedication or payment in lieu of parkland dedication is required.