Adopt Resolution #23-223 approving the Haviland Fields EAW, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision

At the September 26, 2023, meeting, the City Council directed the EAW to go back for re-review of the traffic study.  Kimley-Horn staff, City staff, Presbyterian Homes staff, and Anoka County Highway Department staff met to discuss the study since the County did not provide a response to the EAW.  Nowthen Boulevard (County Road 5) is the main access to the site.   The County subsequently provided comments recommending modifications to the lanes on Nowthen Boulevard and changing the north access to a right-in/right-out access for better traffic flow and safety.  The traffic study was updated with those recommendations.  The study still recommends that traffic operations will function adequately after development.  A representative from Kimley-Horn will be at the meeting to discuss the findings and answer any questions the Council may have.  Additionally, the Findings of Fact and the Traffic Analysis have been updated.  


As part of the proposed Haviland Fields multi-family and townhome development on excess land at Lord of Life Church (14501 Nowthen Blvd. NW), an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is required.  An EAW is a required planning tool for larger projects that is used to assess the environmental impacts of the project.  In a suburban setting, these impacts are generally related to traffic, but they also look at natural resources like vegetation, wildlife, and waterbodies.  The developer takes the information gathered in the EAW and prepares more detailed plans for a typical city development review process accordingly.   Approval of an EAW is an acknowledgement by the City Council that the analysis reviewed all of the required components properly and provided any mitigation plan (if needed)--it is not an approval of the project nor does it provide any standing for future approval steps.  Alternatively, the City Council could find that the impacts noted are great enough to warrant a more in-depth review called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 

The typical process of sending out a "draft" EAW for public review is to gather input from residents as well as a list of required State agencies to make sure the analysis covered the required topics and that the analysis did not miss anything.  Comments were received after the 30-day review period from some of the State agencies and some residents noting questions and providing input on the document.  Those comments and questions were reviewed and applicable updates were made to the "final" EAW (attached).  A list of those letters and written responses are provided.  

The EAW did note increased traffic in the area as a result of the project, though it noted that the existing area roadway system has the capacity to support the proposed development.  It also noted the removal of several trees, though this activity is not prohibited (the City's tree planting and replacement rules will be reviewed with the development plans in the future).  It also noted that the site included wetlands which could be the home of the Blanding's turtle, a threatened species in Minnesota, and will require construction techniques to safeguard the turtle.  

A comment from the Metropolitan Council noted that this project, if approved, would put the City's overall density back into compliance with their Housing Policy Plan and Livable Communities Act.  

Some of the comments received were from neighbors dissatisfied with the project in general.  Though the comments are not directed towards the EAW, they are included nonetheless.  

For the project to move forward, a development application will need to be made.  This application will include a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the increased density, rezoning from the current R-1 MUSA-80/R-2/R-3 configuration to either a PUD or a mix of R-2/R-3/and a Public/Quasi-Public district, plat, and site plan review.  This summer, the City Council denied a request for TIF assistance on the project.  The developer is working on alternative financing strategies for the project and will determine if they want to make the development application (the EAW process was already in motion when the financing request was made).  

Public notification for the availability of the EAW was noticed in the Environmental Quality Board's EQB Monitor on August 1, 2023.  A press release (attached) was provided to local media per State rules.  City staff mailed a copy of the press release to properties within 700 feet (the same distance used for plat notification since the project will eventually include a plat).  A social media blast was also conducted on the City's pages.

A web page on the City's website was created to share the draft EAW with the public (https://www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/989/Haviland-Fields).  A paper copy was placed in the City Hall lobby as well.  

Alternatives to Consider:
1. Approve the EAW, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision as presented.
2. Find that the EAW was not sufficient and order an Environmental Impact Statement.  Specific items of concern must be noted.
3. Continue the EAW to a future meeting to modify certain sections or responses to comments.  

Note: Denial of the EAW is not a valid option for this type of request.  

All costs associated with the EAW preparation and review are the responsibility of the developer, Presbyterian Homes (Senior Housing Partners).

Staff recommends approval of  the Haviland Fields EAW, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision. 

Motion to adopt Resolution #23-223 approving the Haviland Fields EAW, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision.