Adopt Resolution #21-264 Approving Distribution of Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for Trott Brook North; Case of Sotarra

The City Council has previously seen a Sketch Plan for a residential development on the Makowksy Property, most recently on March 23, 2021 (case here: Agenda - View Meetings (cityoframsey.com). The project is being proposed by Sotarra, previously the Excelsior Group (the "Applicant"). The site is generally known as "Trott Brook North" which is the area between Variolite St and Nowthen Blvd NW, north of Trott Brook. The site has approximately 124 acres of buildable (e.g. non-wetland, non-road) property. Based on the size of the property, and current zoning for 80 foot wide, quarter acre lots, the proposed project requires an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) under State Statute. 

Please note that this does not give approval to the plat/project itself, but is a step required by Minnesota Rules prior to approval of a Preliminary Plat due to the size of the project. The Preliminary Plat (entitlement) will be in front of the City Council at future meetings to discuss. Additional note: this action does not give final approval of the EAW; it simply authorizes for distribution for applicable agencies and general public.

The City Council authorized the development (at cost of the Applicant) via Resolution #21-173 in June 2021. That case can be found here: Agenda - View Meetings (cityoframsey.com) 

Notification of the Public Comment Period will be made consistent with Minnesota Rules.

Staff has attempted to notify all Property Owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property as part of the previous zoning amendment request (denied) and subsequent revised Sketch Plan Review. The same notification will be provided for any future public hearing related to the project. Additionally, there is a webpage dedicated to the project.
 

The draft Sketch Plan, developed with no deviations to City Code standards per City Council and Staff direction, is included as reference - this is not an approval of said sketch plan, but is incorporated for reference of context and number of lots, which requires an EAW based on the significant acreage of the Subject Property.

Areas of interest for residents and the Council, included in the EAW are:

1. Traffic Study/Intersection Specific Research: The Project's traffic analysis only analyzes those intersections directly associated with the Project. It is standard to also model key nodes surrounding the area. These intersections are noted in the attached traffic study. Staff has directed the Applicant to move forward with the assumption that improvements will be required to Nowthen Blvd, as well as upgrades to 173rd Ave NW, consistent with previous Council direction.
2. Park Area: The land includes historical barns and homestead that the City's Park Department will be requesting be donated to the City as part of this project. This park area is large enough to be one of the City's larger, more regional, parks. This is not a standard part of an EAW, but has been incorporated into the EAW to ensure that the project meets environmental requirements.
3. Infrastructure: Another non-typical item included in this EAW is the proposed infrastructure for the area, which is also being studied via an Infrastructure Study, authorized by the City Council, and jointly paid for by the City Council and both adjacent project developers. The EAW takes into account the extension of City utilities onto the Subject Property. 

Amendments requested by the City must be incorporated within the final document to be submitted after the Public Comment Period. 

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with review and distribution.

Staff recommends adoption of Resolution #21-264 which is allowing distribution of the EAW only. This does not approve the EAW, or grant any approvals for the project or site design. This approval is a required step to ensure adequate environmental protections.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-264.