03-08-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Environmental Concerns Proposed Subdivision of 3250 Fox Street fa/k/a Maxwell Bay Estates),Page 3 information for activities such as community planning. Since a large portion of the Site consists of undeveloped hardwood forest and grasslands, the applicant must consult with the MDNR Natural Heritage Program as part of the EAW to verify that no threatened or endangered species or potential habitats for these species will be adversely impacted by the proposed development. 3. Cultural Resources ft.e.. archeological, historical or architectural resourced As the City of Orono stated in its November 17, 2003 application review letter, the applicant must also contact the SHPO and inquire as to the need for an archaeological review. A cultural resource assessment must be performed to understand the historic nature of the site, which is referred to as the Gobbins Farm. The presumed mm-of-the-20* Century entrance monument and retaining walls are believed to be the last remaining structures from the farmstead. Alterations to or demolition of the entrance monuments and farmstead retaining walls, due to the proposed widening of the private road, will significantly diminish the historic value of the landscape. If a SHPO review indicates archeological significance of the entrance monument and retaining wall structures, then the applicant must be required to develop a plan which outlines specific procedures for preserving these commemorations. 4. Flood Plain fnatlonal Hood plain data) To determine if flood plain data are present at the Site, EDR also conducted a flood plain search. Based on EDR's fmdings, there is electronic Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) daU which indicates that portions of the Site are located within the 100-year flood plain. Appendix A. Further assessment of the boundary and setback requirements from the identified floodplain must, therefore, be conducted to avoid or mitigate significant adverse environmental effects. 5. Wetlands To determine if wetlands are present at the Site, the applicant conducted a wetland delineation survey of the Site (Svoboda Ecological Resources, September 23, 2003) and identified the presence of a forested wetland basin (Type 1 PEM/F04A) within the northeastern portion of the Site. Although filling or dredging of the wetland is not proposed as part of the development plans, the Svoboda report did not account for wetland areas on adjacent properties which may be impacted by the development of the Site. Specifically, several wetland areas were identified within V* mile of the Site as part of the NEPA repurt provided by EDR. In order to avoid or mitigate significant adverse environmental effects, the wetland survey must be expanded to determine the effects of the proposed development on nearby wetland areas. 6. Scenic Views and Vistas Spectacular viewing points along lakes could be categorized ac scenic views as outlined in the MEQB EAW Guidelines. As the guidelines indicate, many of these scenic views are not officially designated or marked, but because of their local or statewide interest, these scenic views must be considered. Since Lake Minnetonka provides for a multitude of scenic viewing opportunities, an evaluation of the visual impacts from the proposed development must be conducted. ProSource Technologies, Inc.January 9,2004