Consider the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Haviland Fields Project Located at 14501 Nowthen Boulevard NW (Project No. 23-110); Case of Presbyterian Homes Housing and Assisted Living

Presbyterian Homes Housing and Assisted Living (the "Applicant") is contemplating a potential residential development of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church property located at 14501 Nowthen Boulevard NW (the "Subject Property).  The church would remain, but the two existing single family homes would be removed.   Per Minnesota Rules 4410, any proposed project consisting of 375 or more attached units is subject to an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW).  The conceptual development consists of 476 dwelling units (split between 22 townhouse units and 3 multifamily buildings).  Attached to this case are some general guidance documents related to EAWs.  

Note that on August 8, 2023, the City Council denied the Applicant's request for financial assistance (Tax Increment Financing) and the developer is currently rethinking funding strategies.  However, an EAW is a planning document not intended to be used to approve or deny a project.  Additionally, EAWs are valid for five (5) years, so should construction costs come down, it is possible that this project could proceed without funding assistance.  Thus, it makes sense to complete the review of the EAW should the Applicant decide to move forward without assistance in the future.  

The purpose of an EAW is to determine if a project will have significant environmental impacts.  If so, then an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would need to be completed.  An EIS is somewhat similar to an EAW, but requires much greater analysis.  An EAW is not intended to be used to approve or deny a project.  Rather, it is used to determine whether an EIS is required and to be a source of information to guide other approvals and permitting decisions.  There is a mandatory 30-day public comment period, which allows any individual or entity to provide comments on the EAW.  The Haviland Fields EAW comment period ends on August 31, 2023.  After the public comment period ends, the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), which, in this instance, is the City, shall make a determination within thirty (30) days if an EIS is needed. 

Staff distributed a link to the EAW to the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) on July 27, 2023, so that there would be sufficient time for review.  Staff does not intend to present the information within the EAW at tonight's meeting.  Rather, this is an opportunity for the EPB to provide any formal comments on the document (such as incorrect information, missing information, clarifications, etc.), should it be found necessary.  If the EPB has no official comments, no action is needed.

All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility.

If the EPB has any official comments on the EAW, then a motion should be brought forth so that the comments can be submitted prior to the close of the public comment period on August 31..  

Based on discussion, if there are no official comments from the EPB, no formal action is necessary.