The AUAR study area is approximately 435 acres located south of Valley View Road and west of Mystic Lake Drive/CR83. The AUAR study area primarily consists of large tract agricultural uses.

This AUAR was undertaken at the suggestion of City staff as there has been significant interest in developing this area by residential builders. The Envision Shakopee 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as Suburban Residential, which lists primary uses as single-family residential and secondary uses as attached single-family, neighborhood parks & open spaces, and schools & civic facilities. Density of the residential units would be 3 to 6 units per acre, generally similar to the Urban Residential (R-1B) Zone. The property is presently zoned Agricultural Preservation (AG) Zone.

The AUAR was prepared to provide a complete understanding of the cumulative impacts of the planned development in seven growth areas. The AUAR reviewed two growth scenarios in compliance with the AUAR process. Those scenarios can be found in the documents located within the following links, which are also found on the City website:

https://www.shakopeemn.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7857/

The draft document is found in the following link: https://www.shakopeemn.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5431/637744847010570000

The appendix is found in this following link: https://www.shakopeemn.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5429/637744847001170000

The timing for any scenario is driven by the private sector development that is driven by the market and developer/property owner interest.

The AUAR evaluated:

a) the ability to deliver potable water and sewer service to the area since many of the existing parcels are served by private wells and septic systems.

b) projected traffic conditions. Also, many of the infrastructure improvements would be completed as development occurs in cooperation with the private development.

c) stormwater since there would be inevitable impacts to stormwater runoff and volumes resulting from increased impervious surface within the AUAR study area. There currently is a “ditch” that runs from the southwest to the east thru this area. There will need to be new ponds and storage in the area along with conveyances to the regional systems.  The ditch currently conveys water from the south and because of the current alignment and design, can top over and cause flooding.

d) concept subdivision layout alternatives.  

Many agencies including Scott County, the city of Prior Lake, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) were provided opportunities for input during the draft period, in addition to the published 30-day public review/comment period coordinated thru the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) and the City of Shakopee’s consultant (Stantec), in accordance with the state requirements. That 30-day review period is from December 14, 2021 thru January 13, 2022.