The Comprehensive Plan for the West End and the Jackson proposes significant land use changes.  In meeting with the Met Council, their staff has proposed completing an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Process for this area.  Currently, ever new development is required to complete an EAW or EIS depending on its size.

The AUAR process is a hybrid of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Responsible Government Units (RGU) like Shakopee may use an AUAR as a planning tool to understand how different development scenarios will affect the environment of their respective community before development occurs. SRF has completed about 40 AUAR.  They are not that common since they grant a community future approvals on development as long as that development substantially conforms to the original AUAR.

The process is designed to look at the cumulative impacts of anticipated development within a geographic area.  The AUAR combines the list of questions from the EAW but provides a level of analysis of impacts comparable to an EIS.  The Environmental analysis information from an AUAR can be used to inform planning and zoning decisions.  

The AUAR would allow development to move forward since as long as the proposed developments meet the model, they could be approved at the local level.

The AUAR would cover the following items:

• Development Scenarios
• Land Use
• Cover types
• Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources
• Water Resources
• Water-Related Land Use Management Districts
• Water Use
• Water Surface Use
• Erosion and Sedimentation
• Water Quality
  
  
• Geologic Hazards and Soil Conditions
• Solid Wastes and Storage Tanks
• Traffic
• Dust, Odors and Nosie
• Sensitive Resources
• Visual Impacts
• Plan Compatibility
• Infrastructure and Public Services
• Vehicle Related Air Emissions
• Traffic Noise Analysis
• Cumulative Potential Effects
• Other Impacts
• Mitigation Plan Executive Summary

The scope of area study is Jackson Township, especially areas A,B,C,D, and some vacant land in area E.  It also covers undeveloped land in the city limits that were not part of the Windermere EAW. 

SRF has proposed approximately $142,500 for time and materials.  Staff recommends $150,000 authorization to cover additional items identified in the tasks but not covered in this proposal.

The costs of the study will be recovered by an AUAR fee for property that is developed in the AUAR area.