Pioneer Engineering, on behalf of Summergate Companies, LLC, has submitted plans for a mixed use development of approximately 114 acres that has a net usable area of about 93 acres. The proposed development would consist of approximately 589 residential units in a mixture of apartments (300 units), townhouses (68) and single-family homes (221). The net density is 6.35 units/acre for all total units. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan shows this area as Suburban and Mixed Residential, which is characterized by densities of 3 to 6 units/acre and 6 to 30 units/acre, respectively. The proposed overall density meets the requirements.

Per the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (Minn. Rules 4410.4300 Subpart 19 for residential development), the completion of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is required. The City of Shakopee is the Responsible Government Unit (RGU) pursuant to Minn. Rules 4410 to complete the EAW for this project.

The purpose of an EAW is to identify potential environmental impacts associated with the project and determine whether or not an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed. The EAW analyzes a variety of topics including land use, geology, stormwater, wildlife habitat, traffic, water use, wastewater generation, cultural resources, and noise. Analysis is based on guidance provided by the Environmental Quality Board, who oversees the Minnesota Environmental Review program. An overview of some of the information in the EAW is summarized below:

• Stormwater will be managed in conformance with city and state regulations.

• Wastewater will be directed to the Blue Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. There is capacity to accommodate the additional wastewater from the project.

• The project will generate additional traffic in the area. Mitigation measures to address the increased traffic have been identified in the EAW.

The developer and City Staff have worked together to complete the EAW. The next step is for the EAW to be submitted to the review agencies and public for a 30-day comment period. Once the comment period is complete, the City will develop responses to comments and determine if an EIS is needed.

The item for the City Council is to authorize distribution of the EAW to the review agencies to start the 30-day comment period. If authorized, the EAW will be submitted for public comment February 17 – March 18, 2020. This can be authorized via a motion to authorize distribution of the EAW for public comment.