CCP 02-18-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I I f I 3. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was contacted at the beginning of the AUAR process to identify any rare plant or animal species or other significant natural features within the study area. The DNR identified the project as within a "known concentration" area of Blanding's turtles, although there have been no reported sightings of this species on the project site. Based on this comment letter and Blanding's turtle sighting, the DNR was recontacted during the Final AUAR process to determine whether a professional survey was needed to identify the number of Blanding's turtles within the study area. The DNR stated that a survey is not needed and that the mitigation measures included in the DNR report and identified in the Draft and Final AUAR should be implemented where feasible during construction. The DNR has also recorded this additional Blanding's turtle sighting in their database (see DNR correspondence in Appendix C). 4. As discussed in Item 27 of the AUAR, the proposed campus is consistent with the City of Arden Hills land use designation for this site. Although the proposed campus will have some buildings that are taller than buildings in adjacent developments, these heights are dcemed acceptable for this site and have becn approved by the City. Most of the proposed building heights do exceed the maximum allowable building heights for I-I zoned properties. As such, Guidant is required to receive City approval for any variances from the zoning code. Guidant has received approval for the heights of these buildings and parking ramps that exceed the maximum height restriction identified in the City's Zoning Ordinance. The City of Arden Hills has reviewcd the dcvelopment plan for the Guidant Campus as part of the PUD process. The City feels that the Guidant Campus expansion is consistent with adjaccnt business developments, including the Land 0' Lakes campus to the south, the Medtronic's campus to the southeast and the office/commercial areas immediately north and northeast of the study area. The City of Shoreview also commented during the Guidant PUD process that the proposed campus creates a relatively low visual impact for surrounding land use (see City of Shoreview letter dated October 2, 2002 in Appendix D). 5_ Table 2 in the Final AUAR has been supplemented to include not only the building heights from ground level but also the number of stories, penthouse height information, the height above sea level, and parking ramp levels below grade. The AUAR is not required to provide a more detailed description (view of proposed development from each adjacent land use) as the difficulty of accuratejy portraying the view from all areas adjacent to the study arca would be impossible. 6. Through thc Planned Unit Development (PUD) process and in coordination with the comments received from rcsidents during the development of the site concept, all practicable design measures wcrc considered and applied to accommodate the required parking for the site, while at the samc timc minimizing visual impacts for adjacent land users. Guidant has taken several steps to minimize the impacts of the proposed parking ramps to adjacent residents, including locating levels of the parking ramps below grade; Guidant Campus Master Plan Responses to Comments - 6 - January 2003