HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCP 01-11-1999
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD
ARDEN HILLS. MN 55112.5794
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION
CITY BALL
MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1999,4:45 P.M.
4;45 P.M.
1.
Can to Order
4:45 P.M.
2.
Discussion Items
a, West Round Lake Road, Phase II Alternates
b. Town Hall Meeting
c. City CouncillDepartment Head Retreat, Scheduling
d. Fox 29 Tower Discussion
e. Wispark Environmental Impact Statement
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7:15 P.M.
3.
Miscellaneous Items
7;30 P.M.
4.
Adjourn
The above times may vary depending upon length of issue discussion,
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PHONE: 1612J 633-5676 . FAX 1612J 633-7838
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Tentative January Meetin. Schedule Tentative February Meetln. Schedule
Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change. Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change.
Please contact City Hall for the most current schedule. Please contact City Hall for the most current schedule.
January 4 Organizational and 7:30 P.M. February 3 Planning Commission 7:30 P.M.
Regular Conncil
Meeting February 8 Council Meeting 7:30 P.M.
January 4 Special Economic 9:00 P,M, February 16 Business Relations 4:00 P,M.
Development Authority Committee
January 6 Newsletter Committee 6:00 P,M, February 16" Council Worksession 4:45 P.M.
(Tuesday)
January 6 Planning Commission 7:30 P.M.
PENDING Business Development 8:00 A.M.
January 7 Parks & Recreation 7:00 P,M, Committee
Commission
February 18 Finance Committee 7:30 P.M.
January II Council Worksession 4:45 P.M.
February 18 Public Safety 7:30 P.M.
PENDING Business Development 8:00 A.M. Commission
Committee
February 22 EConomic Development 7:00 P,M.
January 21 Finance Committee 7:30 P.M. Authority
January 21 Public Safety 7:30 P.M. February 11 Council Meeting 7:30 P.M.
Commission
February 23 Parks & Recreation 7:00 P.M,
JANUARY 23 TOWN HALL MTG. 8:30 A.M. Commission
(Benson Great Hall @ TO
Bethel College) 12:00 P.M. February 24 Newsletter Committee 6:00 P.M.
January 25 EConomic Development PENDING
Authority
January 15 Council Meeting 7:30 P.M.
January 26 Parks & Recreation 7:00 P.M,
Commission
January 27 Newsletter Committee 6:00 P.M,
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BRW, INC.
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
January 8, 1999
TO:
Mayor and City Council
Brian Fritsinger, City Administrat~
Administrator Comments for the January 11, 1999 Council
Worksession
FROM:
SUBJECT:
1. West Round Lake Road. Phase II Alternates
The City Council had previously discussed the design of the Phase II West Round Lake
Road project. At that time, the Council had voted against a project that included fuIl
medians, but expressed an interest in other options. BRW will be in attendance to present
the alternates available to the City. The City Council will be asked to provide direction
on this item, and if appropriate, direct staff to place it on the January 25,1999 Council
meeting for the scheduling of the public hearing,
2.
Final Town Hall Meeting Plans
Staff will briefly review those items that are intended to be utilized at this year's Town
Hall meeting. The Council is asked to provide any last suggestions or ideas for the
meeting.
3. City CouncilIDepartment Head Retreat/Scheduling
The City Council is asked to provide direction on the date, timing and topics for the 1999
City Council/Department Head Retreat.
4. Fox 29 Tower Discussion
The City Council may wish to review the status ofthe Fox 29 Tower request, and provide
direction to staff.
5. Wisp ark Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The City Council is asked to provide comment on the EIS for the proposed Wispark
development in Shoreview, Comments are due the week of January 18th. Staff will have
a brief overview available for the meeting.
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
January 7, 1999
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator ij;)
Final Plans for Town Hall Meeting
Backeround
The City Council has previously discussed the 1999 Town Hall meeting, and has expressed
interest in a final plan review prior to the meeting. Staff has prepared a variety of information
and has tried to identify some of the key issues below.
General Purpose
The schedule and set up is being planned on the same general concept used in 1997 and 1998.
In addition to information tables being set up for the City, various civic organizations will also
be set up outside the main auditorium at Bethel.
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Who is Invited?
The City has sent invitations to the following:
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. John Luey, Commander, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
. Terry Schutten, County Manager, Ramsey County
. Commissioner Tony Bennett, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
. Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department
. Don Szurek, Chief
. Tim Boehlke, Chief, Fire Station #1
Animal Control Services, Inc. (ACSI), Richard L. Ruzicka, President
Minnesota National Guard, Br. Gen. Gary E. LeBlanc, Assistant Adjutant
General
Arden Hills Library, Ms. Faye Herold
North Suburban Cable Commission, Coralie Wilson, Executive Director
North Suburban Chamber of Commerce
League of Women Voters, Peg Olson
Mounds View School District No. 621, Jan Witthuhn, Superintendent
Ms. Julie Wikelius, Principal, Mounds View High School
Northwest Youth and Family Services, Kay Andrews, Development Director
Arden HillslShoreview Kiwanis, clo Marvin Rye
Rotary, (Brian)
621 Foundation, Jerry McCauley
Senator Linda Runbeck
Representative Phil Krinkie
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Memorandum, Final Plans for Town Hall Meeting
Page Two
January 7,1999
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To-date, the City has not confirmed participation from any of these agencies.
AdvertisinglPromotion
. The City included information in the November and the December/January City
newsletter editions
. News releases are prepared to send to the Bulletin, Focus and St. Paul Pioneer Press
. Meeting Notices will be posted at the Library/City Hall
. Mailing of flyer/post card to all residents the week of January 18, 1999
. Cable TV
Conncil and Mayor Topics
At the November 16,1998 Worksession, the City Council provided direction as to the topics
and approach for the meeting. As in 1997 and 1998, the Mayor is proposed to begin the
meeting portion with a "State of the City" Address. This will touch on the activities of 1998,
and issues expected in 1999. Once the Mayor has completed his address, all five members of
the Council will be seated at a table to take questions from the residents,
1997 Topics
. Second Annual Day in the Park - City Hall
. Gateway Business District/Welsh Development Plans
. First Annual Town Hall Meeting
. Refer to Citizen Survey
. Water Meter Replacement
. Cindy's Award/Staff Recognition
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1998 Topics
. City Hall
. Highway 96 Reconstruction
. Tony Schmidt Park Redevelopment
. Comprehensive Plan Update
. BudgetlLevy Limits
. Committee/Task Force Accomplishments - Introductions
. I-35W Corridor Coalition
. Pavement Management Program
Proposed 1999 Topics
. Completion of Comprehensive Plan update
. Tony Schmidt Park redevelopment update
. Bethel College Park update
. City Hall construction plan update
. Highway 96 update
. Review of Philosophy Statement
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Memorandum, Final Plans for Town Hall Meeting
Page Three
January 7, 1999
In order to encourage a more informal interaction, additional time has been made available for
citizens to come to the tables and discuss issues. The Council will be using the thrust stage, as
in 1997 and 1998,
City Materials
Staffis in the process of updating department fact sheets and other documents for the Town
Hall meeting, At this time, there are not any real new documents proposed to be utilized. If the
Council has any other suggestions, please let us know.
"Hot" Topics
There are several "hot" topics and issues which will be emphasized as part of the presentations
and City tables. Those include the items detailed below:
a. City Hall
Elevations, color renderings, and site plan will be available.
b. Tony Schmidt Park
The proposed Master Plan will be available for public comment.
c.
Comprehensive Plan Update
The adopted Plan and several maps will be available for review.
d. Bethel College Park
The concept plan will be available for review and comment.
e. Highway 96
A description of the project and reduced plans will be available.
f. Philosophy Statement
The philosophy statement will be incorporated into all promotional and
advertising products.
Requested Action
The City Council is asked to comment on the items prepared for the Town Hall meeting, and
give any last minute direction it may have. Specifically, the Council may want to discuss what,
if any, role committee members should play in the Meeting.
BF/sls
SATURDAY
JANUARY 23, 1999
8:30 A.M. TO 12:00 NOON
BENSON GREAT HALL AT BETHEL COLLEGE
ECRWSS
BULK RATE
u.s. Postage Paid
St. Paul, MN
PennitNo.1962
POSTAL CUSTOMER
YOU'RE INVITED!!
THIRD ANNUAL
ARDEN HILLS TOWN HALL MEETING
CITY PHILOSOPHY
TO PROVIDE A BASIC AND NECESSARY SCOPE OF QUALITY
SERVICES
THROUGH THE INNOVATIVE AND PURPOSEFUL USE OF
PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD
ARDEN HILLS, MN 55112-5794
1999
TOWN HALL MEETING
BEING HELD AT
BETHEL COLLEGE
(BENSON GREAT HALL)
3900 BETHEL DRIVE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23,1999
8:30 A.M. - 12:00 NOON
8:30 a,m. -
Council Open House and Reception
Mayor Probst and Councilmembers ApIikowski, Larson, Malone and
Rem will host an informal time of interaction with residents of Arden
Hills.
City Departments, Advisory Boards and various Civic Organizations will
also be available to provide information.
9:30 a.m,
Welcome - Mayor Probst
Mayor Probst will present a "State of the City" address.
Come prepared to express your viewpoint as the Council addresses a
variety of topics concerning your local government.
10:00 a.m. -
Questions of Council/Staff
11 :30 a,m. -
Council and Staff will again be available until 12:00 p.m. for residents to
address them on various issues.
PLEASE JOIN US
Refreshments will be served.
PHONE: 16121633-5676 . FAX 16121633-7839
WELCOME
The City Council of Arden Hills is proud to
welcome you to the third annual Town Hall
meeting. We're excited to have this
opportunity to meet with you, and invite you
to use this opportunity to become more
familiar with City Hall - its Council and
staff. Feel free to ask questions and learn
more about your City government.
The Council's purpose in "bringing City Hall
to you" is to:
. Present a State of the City address,
including an update on City Hall
facilities and the Gateway Business
District.
. Facilitate communication with
residents.
. Ensure the accessibility of City
Council/Staff to our residents.
. Make residents partners in building a
liveable community.
. Provide information to residents and
receive feedback from residents,
1999
TOWN HALL MEETING
SA TURDA Y, JANUARY 23, 1999
8:30 A.M. - 12:00 NOON
.
8:30 a.m.
Council Open House and
Reception
Mayor Probst and Councilmembers
Aplikowski, Larson, Maloue and
Rem will host an informal time of
interaction with residents of Arden
Hills.
City Departments and various Civic
Organizations will also be available
to provide information.
.
9:30 a.m.
Welcome - Mayor Probst
Mayor Probst will present a "State
of the City" address.
Come prepared to express your
viewpoint as the Council addresses a
variety of topics concerning your
local government.
.
10:00 a.m.
Questions of ConnciVStaff
.
11:30 a.m.
Council and Staff will again be
available until 12:00 p.m. for
residents to address them on various
Issues.
1
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Refreshments will be served.
The City of Arden Hills expresses a special
thank you to Bethel College for the use of
their facilities and cooperation of their staff
in making our Town Hall meeting a reality.
We also thank those organizations and
agencies who participated in this event.
CITY PHILOSOPHY
TO PROVIDE
A BASIC AND NECESSARY SCOPE
OF QUALITY SERVICES
THROUGH THE INNOVATIVE
AND PURPOSEFUL USE
OF
PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL AND
HUMAN RESOURCES.
THIRD ANNUAL
TOWN HALL MEETING
1999
Thank you for your
participation and cooperation,
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
BETHEL COLLEGE
(BENSON GREAT HALL)
3900 BETHEL DRIVE
See you next year!
QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNCIL
If you wish to ask a question of the City
Councilor make a comment, and do not want
to do so publicly, please feel free to complete
the following and provide it to staff.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING PROCEDURES
Arden Hills has a CounciVClerk-Administrator form of government,
adopted in 1951, and is governed by a five-member Council elected
at large on a nonpartisan basis.
The Council conducts regular meetings on the second and last
Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The Mayor is the presiding
officer for the meetings. Each Council member has a single equal
vote. Three members constitute a quorum. Council motions require
a majority for passage, except for any zoning changes which require
four votes for passage.
Meeting agendas, a public copy of the agenda item reports, and
public hearing sign-up sheets are located on the meeting information
table just outside the entrance to the Council Chambers.
Those items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be
routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion under
a Consent Calendar format. There will be no separate discussion of
these items, unless a Council member so requests, in which event,
the item will be removed from the general order of business and
considered separately in its normal sequence on the agenda.
The Council is sincerely interested in hearing your concerns and
viewpoints. To enable a complete record of the meeting and for the
convenience ofthose watching on cable television, we do request
that you come to the microphone when you are called upon for your
comments, and give your name and address prior to speaking on an
item,
A.
B.
C.
D.
E
F.
All regular meetings of the City Council are televised tape delayed
on Government Access Channel 16 at 11:00 a,m, and 7:00 p.m. the
Wednesday following the Council meeting.
G.
H.
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PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE
All Public Hearings are held as a separate item of business on the
agenda. Several legal procedures are required in this process and are
to be handled in the manner prescribed below:
A.
B.
e.
D.
Staff! Applicant makes presentation
Questions of the Staff/Applicant by the Council
Mayor opens Hearing to the public
Comments/questions from the audience (persons wanting to
present comments or questions must be recognized by the
Mayor and come to the microphone giving their name and
address for the record)
Mayor closes Public Hearing
Comments from the Council
Council takes action
E,
F.
G.
IMPROVEMENT HEARING PROCESS
All Public Improvement Hearings are held as a separate item of
business on the Agenda with other Public Hearings (see above). The
entire procedure is controlled by State Statute and is handled in the
manner prescribed below:
Project description by Mayor/Engineer/Staff
Nature of the improvement, financing and assessments
Questions by the Council
Mayor acknowledges written statements from the public
Mayor opens the Hearing to the public
Public testimony taken (persons wanting to speak must be
recognized by the Mayor and come to the microphone
giving their name and address for the record)
Mayor closes the Public Hearing
Council takes action
~ .. , .,
WE WELCOME YOU to this meeting of the
Arden Hills City Council. We feel very
pleased that you are taking this opportunity to
participate in your city government.
The Council is sincerely interested in hearing
your concerns and viewpoints. Please make
your voice heard, we value your input.
If you have a matter you do not wish to discuss
publicly, feel free to contact the City
Administrator, any Council member or me;
our numbers are listed below for your
convenience.
Sincerely,
CITY PHILOSOPHY
TO PROVIDE
A BASIC AND NECESSARY SCOPE
OF QUALITY SERVICES
THROUGH THE INNOVATIVE
AND PURPOSEFUL USE
OF
PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL AND
HUMAN RESOURCES.
Dennis Probst
Mayor
CITY CONTACTS
Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator (651) 633-5676
FAX 633-7839
Dennis Probst, Mayor
Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmember
Gregg S, Larson, Councilmember
Paul 1. Malone, Councilmember
Lois Rem, Councilmember
633-8225
633-3863
639-9466
636-9737
636-0159
CITY COUNCIL MEETING GUIDE
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
January 11, 1999
TO:
Mayor and City Conncil
Kevin Ringwald, Assistant to the City AdministratoA ~
WisPark Draft EIS - U ofM site - Shoreview ~
FROM:
SUBJECT:
ReQuest
The City Council is requested to provide direction on responding to the Draft ElS for the
WisPark development in Shoreview.
Background
The City of Arden Hills received from the City Engineer (Greg Brown ofBRW, Inc.) on March
16, 1998, a report on traffic along the Highway 10 corridor. This report included traffic
projection for TCAAP based on its future land use plan (Exbibit A). This report predicts that
23,700 vehicular trips per day would gain access to TCAAP via County Road I. The access to
County Road I would be via TCAAP Road (opposite of Schutt a Road in Shoreview) and the 1-
35W frontage road (currently serving the Drivers Training facility).
The Staff attended a meeting at Shoreview on March 27, 1998, to discuss the potential traffic
impacts ofthe development of the U ofM site in Shoreview. The meeting was attended by the
adjacent cities (Arden Hills, Blaine, and Mounds View), County representatives (Ramsey and
Anoka), MnDOT, and various consulting firms. The City Staff provided all attendees with a
copy of Highway 10 corridor study. The City Staff also made the attendees aware that the City
and the DOD were working on releasing for redevelopment lands adjacent to 1-35W on TCAAP,
which would have traffic impacts on County Road 1.
The City of Shoreview provided to the City of Arden Hills the Draft EIS on the Wispark
development on December 15, 1998 (Exhibit B).
WisPark plans to develop the property with a mixture of business park/commercial, residential,
and recreational uses (Exhibit C). Approximately 70 percent (105 acres) of the developable land
will be used for business park and commercial uses while the remaining 30 percent will be
developed with medium density residential uses (6-7 units per acre) and parkland. The project
will include 1,234,000 square feet of Business Park, 59,000 square feet of commercial, and 304
dwelling units.
The WisPark development is located on a 230-acre parcel, which was previously owner by the U
ofM (Exhibit D). The project also includes the acquisition of23 acres owned by MnDOT and a
narrow strip of land (to be used for a road connection to County Road I) owned by Ramsey
County Parks and Recreation.
The Draft EIS is required to contain a section related to altematives to the proposal, which it does
(Exhibit E). However, the issue related to this section is not whether it includes the required
section, but whether other reasonable altematives were explored. Particularly, as this relates to
the location ofthe road connection to County Road I (ie., aligning southerly WisPark Road to
Schutta Road, rather than a direct connection at the I-35W Interchange).
The Draft EIS is also required to contain a section related to anticipated traffic impacts from the
development (Exhibit F), which it does. However, the Draft EIS does not provide for any future
traffic levels from TCAAP. As previously mentioned, the City anticipates that 23,700 vehicular
trips per day affecting County Road I from the development ofTCAAP.
Recommendation
The Staff requests direction on the appropriate response to the Draft EIS for the WisPark
development in Shoreview.
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MbuuiapoliB, MN 55415, PhoDe 612/37lH17OO. Fax 6121370-1378
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CITY OF
ARDEN HILLS
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TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC STUDY
AND REPORT FOR
HIGHWAY 96/HIGHWAY 10
INTERCHANGE CONFIGURATION
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Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Submitted in Accordance with:
Minnesota Statute 116D
Responsible Government Unit (RGU):
. City of Shoreview
F
1 RECF'; 'r.:-~,,;
DEe 1 ~ 1998
mY Of ARDtk i~ij.$'
Project Proposer
WISP ARK Corporation
140 Metropolitan Centre
333 South 7th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 313-2700
The following persons may be contactedfor additional infonnation regarding this document:
Tom Simonson
Assistant City Managerl .
Community Development
Director
City of Shoreview
4600 North Victoria Street
Shoreview, MN 55126
(612) 490-4612
Richard Nau, AICP
BRW, Inc.
700 South Third Street
Minneapo1is,'MN 55415
(612) 373-6460
Linda Fisher, Esq.
Larkin, Hoffman, Daly
& Lindgren, Ltd,
1500 Norwest Financial Center
7900 Xerxes Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431
(612) 896-3210
ABSTRACT:
The proposed project is a mixed use development on a 230-acre project site in the southeast
quadrant of 1-35W and County Road J in the City of Shoreview. The project site will include
approximately ]05 acres of business park, office and commercial uses, 46 acres of medium
density residential uses, ]0 acres of recreational area and 55 acres for wetlands, ponds, and
scenic easements, A total of ] ,293,000 gross square feet of commercial and industrial land use is
proposed, together with 304 attached residential units. The proposed project includes the
construction of Rice Creek Parkway, a new north-south collector connecting County Road I and
County Road J. Construction of the proposed project is expected to begin in the spring of 1999.
Public Meeting:
Date: January 7, ]999
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Shoreview City Hall, Council Chambers
Comment Deadline:
Comments on the Draft EIS are due by
January 21, 1999 and should be directed to
Mr. Tom Simonson at the above address,
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1.0 SUMMARY
1.1 PROJECT LOCA TION AND DESCRIPTION
The proposed project is located on a 230-acre parcel of land in the city of Shoreview at the southeast
quadrant the intersection ofI-35W and County Road J, Ramsey County, Minnesota. 207 acres of
the project site are currently owned by the University of Minnesota CU of M") and about 23 acres
immediately south of the U of M parcel are currently owned by the Minnesota Department of
Transportation ("MnDOT"). Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor ("Rice Creek North"), Rice
Creek and a wetland complex adjoin the project site on the east and south.
1.2 OVERVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DElS) has been prepared in response to rules of the
state Environmental Quality Board (EQB). These rules require environmental review of commercial
and residential development projects of a size that exceed certain mandatory thresholds. Under the
state rules, the proposed development of the U of M property requires the preparation of an EIS.
The EIS process requires the preparation of a Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA W)
to identify critical issues to be addressed in the EIS. An EA W for the proposed project was prepared
and circulated for review in April, 1998. Based on the review of the EA Wand comments received
during the EA W public comment period, the City of Shoreview adopted a Scoping Decision in June,
1998. The Scoping Decision documented the issues to be addressed in this ElS.
This DEIS will be circulated for review by the public, governmental jurisdictions and regulatory
agencies in accordance with EQB rules. This review process will include a public meeting to be held
at the Shoreview city offices on January 7, 1999. The public comment period will end on January
21, 1999. After the end of the public comment period, the City will prepare a final EIS containing
additional infonnation in response to the comments received on the DEIS. This final EIS will then
be circulated for further review and comment. The City will then consider all of the documentation
and comments received and make a determination on the adequacy of the EIS.
1.3 MAJOR ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
1.3.1 No-Build Alternative
Although the no-build alternative is not consistent with the City's comprehensive plan, it is
addressed in this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) because it is required by Minnesota
Environmental Quality Board rules. The no-build alternative assumes that the proposed mixed-use
project and the alternative business park project will not be constructed,
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10. 1998
Page 1
L('1
1.3.2 Proposed Project - Mixed-Use Development
WISPARK plans to develop the project site with a mix of business park/commercial, residential, and
recreational uses. Approximately 70% (105 acres) of the developable land will be used for business
park and commercial purposes while the remaining 30% (46 acres) will be developed with medium
density (6-7 units/acre) residential uses marketed primarily to single professionals and empty nesters.
The project will include 1,234,000 gross square feet of business park development, 59,000 gross
square feet of commercial development and 304 dwelling units.
The business park and office buildings (96 acres) will be marketed to large corporate users to meet
their office, manufacturing, and distribution needs, The commercial development (9 acres) will be
concentrated at the County Road J/I-35W intersection and will consist primarily of convenience
retail, restaurant, and service retail, to support the tenants and owners in the business park and
residential developments,
The business park, office and commercial developments will be oriented to the major arterials
bordering the site (County Road J & I-35W) while the residential development will be oriented to
Rice Creek and Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor. The residential site is oriented to County
Road I on the south through the open space and proposed ponding area, while the business park
entrance is oriented to County Road J.
Related Infrastructure Improvements
A new roadway, Rice Creek Parkway, will be constructed from County Road J on the north through
the U of M and MnDOT properties to County Road I on the south. South of the MnDOT property,
the roadway crosses Ramsey County Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor property and City
of Sl. Paul Water Utility property.
The proposed development site requires water distribution service to the site. Trunk water main will
be "looped" through the Rice Creek North property, the development site and connected to the City
of Shoreview's existing system at Schutta Road and Lexington Avenue.
The proposed development site trails will connect to existing trail systems outside of the project
limits. A trail connection is proposed to cross Rice Creek and connect to the recently constructed
Rice Creek North Trail.
1.3.3 Alternative Project - Business Park
(Substitution of 550,000 gross square feet of business park use for 46 acres of medium density residemial use
included in the proposed project.)
In this alternative, the 304 proposed residential units (46 acres) would be replaced with an additional
550,000 gross square feet of business park use resulting in a total of 1,580,000 gross square feet of
business park. The additional business park use would be similar in type and design to the 1.03
million square feet of business park development proposed by WISP ARK for 79 acres of the project
site.
WISPARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 199K
Page 2
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Related Infrastructure Improvements
A new roadway, Rice Creek Parkway, will be constructed from County Road J on the north through
the U of M and MnDOT properties to County Road I on the south. South of the MnDOT property,
the roadway crosses Ramsey County Rice Creek North Regional Corridor property and City of St.
Paul Water Utility property,
The alternate development site requires water distribution service to the site, Trunk water main will
be "looped" through the Rice Creek North property, the development site and connected to the City
of Shoreview's existing system at Schutta Road and Lexington Avenue.
The alternate development is expected to have a trail connection across thenRice Creek North
property to the existing trail on the other side of Rice Creek.
1.4 ANTICIPA TED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
As documented in the DEIS, the impacts associated with the alternative project are substantially the
same as the proposed project.
1.4.1 Wetlands
Nine wetland areas have been identified and delineated within the project area. Eight of the wetlands
are hydrologically altered type 1 wetlands dominated by reed canary grass. The ninth wetland is.
located along the floodplain fringe of Rice Creek, south of the project site. This wetland contains
at least two cover types within the project area including type 1 floodplain forest dominated by
boxeJder, jewelweed and reed canary grass, and a type 2/6 shrub carr dominated by willow, dogwood
and sedges.
Most of the wetland resources on the project site and within the adjacent Rice Creek floodplain
complex will not be affected by the proposed development. The project will result in a maximum
wetland impact of 4.70 acres, including the corporate park development, the construction of Rice
Creek Parkway, and the construction of a trail crossing over Rice Creek.
All proposed wetland activities will require permit approvals or review from a number of agencies.
As details on the final design for the road and trail crossing are completed, permit applications will
be put together for submittal to the Rice Creek Watershed District, the Army Corps of Engineers and
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These permit applications will include
specific wetland impacts, alternatives, and wetland mitigation plans.
1.4.2 Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources
The site has been previously disturbed by agricultural activities, and used as an airport, landfill and
storage site. As a result, the vegetation of the site has been reduced to monotypic communities with
very low plant diversity. Low plant diversity directly correlates to low wildlife habitat value,
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10. 1998
Page 3
-.( h1
The site is located adjacent to a large area of county open space, coincident with the Rice Creek
wetland complex, which does act as a natural wildlife corridor. The close proximity to this large
area of open space does provide some habitat opportunities for urban wildlife on the project site.
Although the project site currently encompasses a large area of open space, the existing habitat is
typical of similar areas throughout the metropolitan area.
Development of the site will result in loss of much of the grassland habitat. This loss cannot be
avoided if any site development is to occur. A total of 55 acres of open space, or nearly a quarter
of the site, will be preserved. This includes the wetlands, ponds, and -open space on both the U of
M and MnDOT properties. Most of the open space area is located adjacent.to the existing Rice
Creek North property which preserves the highest potential-wildlife habitat areas within the site
while also maintaining a connection with adjacent wildlife habitat. These areas will be protected in
perpetuity through existing or reconfigured scenic easements (bluff area) or transferred to Ramsey
County as part ofthe Rice Creek North land exchange,
Rice Creek is suspected to provide habitat for game and non-game fish species given its connection
to Long Lake. Sucker and carp populations are known to inhabit Rice Creek year round. During the
spawning season (February 15 to June 15) northern pike, catfish and walleye may also use Rice
Creek for spawning or as access to other spawning habitat. The most sensitive time for game species
(catfish, pike and walleye) is during the spawning period. Their eggs would be sensitive to turbid
waters and sedimentation due to upstream erosion.
1.4.3 Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species
Most of the project site has been previously disturbed and has relatively low potential for the
occurrence of any rare species. However, the adjacent Rice Creek North wetland complex is
known to support Blanding's turtles which are listed as threatened in Minnesota. Rice Creek is
within one of the 13 areas in the state identified by DNR as a high priority area for preservation of
Blanding's turtle populations.
The sandy uplands of the site could provide potential nesting habitat for breeding turtles. The
southeast facing slopes of the Rice Creek bluff line are expected to provide the greatest potential for
nesting habitat given their slope aspect, sandy soils, grassy cover and proximity to the creek and
wetland habitat.
Much of the sandy upland area will be developed and will no longer be available for potential nesting
habitat. However, the proposed project will preserve the bluff line of Rice Creek which is protected
by a scenic easement and which provides the highest potential nesting cover on the site, -The entire
hillside will be maintained within the easement area and building setbacks will avoid impacts to the
bluff. Therefore, the potential nesting habitat that may be found along the bluff will not be impacted
by the project.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 4
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The proposed alignment of Rice Creek Parkway will result in a minor impact to potential turtle
nesting and wetland habitat. The proposed trail connection across the wetland area and through the
scenic easement will not affect the potential Blanding's turtle habitat or their mobility.
A data search also identified two records of upland sandpipers within the northwest portion of
Shoreview including a 1990 observation of the bird on this site, Upland sandpipers are not state or
federally listed, but are noted as special concern species due to general population declines.
1.4.4 Water-Related Land Use Management Districts: Shoreland and Floodplain
(a) Shoreland
Rice Creek has been classified as a general development water by the DNR ,and the City of
Shoreview's Shoreland Ordinance. The Rice Creek shorelanddistrictextends 300' landward from
the bank of Rice Creek, or to the landward extent of the lOO-year floodplain, whichever is greater.
None of the business park or residential structures will be located within the shoreland district and
there will be no disturbance of steep slopes adjacent to floodplain to construct them. A portion of
Rice Creek Parkway and the future trail connection from the project site to the existing Rice Creek
North trail will be located within the shoreland district. Construction of the water main and trail will
result in some disturbance of steep slopes and native vegetation,
(b) Floodplain
The project site includes minor portions of the 100-year floodplain associated with Rice Creek.
There is also a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated floodplain (Zone A)
along the Rice Creek North Corridor.
There will be no floodplain impact for construction of the business park or residential structures.
Approximately 1,400 linear feet of Rice Creek Parkway will lie within the Rice Creek floodplain on
the Rice Creek North property. Approximately 7.8 acre-feet of floodplain will be filled in order to
construct the roadway.
1.4.5 Surface Water Runoff
The proposed project will increase the amount of impervious surface from existing 7 acres (2.9%
of total watershed) to proposed 96 acres (40% of total watershed), (The total watershed is 238 acres
which includes the 207-acre U ofM property, the 23-acre MnDOT property, and 8 acres of off-site
fringe areas which are part of the subwatersheds contributing:to overall site runoff.) The proposed
96 acres of impervious surface is an approximate figure based on the current proposed project site
plan. It would likely be further refined during the Planned Unit Development (PUD) final stage plan
review process. Rice Creek Parkway south of the project site will affect an additional 3 acres of
Rice Creek North property, none of which is currently impervious. Volumes and rates of runoff will
increase proportionately. The quality of runoff will be decreased as it picks up pollutant loadings
from hard surfaces and landscaped areas.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 5
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1.4.6 Erosion and Sedimentation
The proposed project will require approximately 900,000 cubic yards of earthwork, with 65% on
the U of M property, 25% on the MnDOT property and 10% on the Rice Creek North property. The
earthwork operations will be routine except for the soil correction necessary under Rice Creek
Parkway in the Rice Creek North property, In this area the underlying organic soils will be removed
and replaced with granular material from the site.
1.4.7 Traffic
The proposed mixed-use development project is estimated.to generate approximately 26,500 daily
trips with 2,535 in the PM peak traffic hour. Traffic to and from the project site will use County
Road (CR) J to the north and CR I to the south. Most of the site generated traffic will be oriented
to I-35W.
I-35W carries approximately 87,000 vehicles per day just south of CR I. CR I carries approximately
6,600 vehicles per day east of I-35W and CR J carries 13,800 vehicles per day east of 35W.
Existing intersections in the project vicinity currently operate at LOS C or better. However, the
following intersection movements experience unacceptable delays:
. Southbound left turn from Naples Street to eastbound CR J
. Northbound left turn from I-35W west ramp to CR I westbound
. Northbound left turn from I-35W east ramp to CR I westbound
The proposed project includes the completion of Rice Creek Parkway through the project site,
connecting CR I and CR J. The analysis assumes signalization and lane improvements at the CR
I and CR J intersections with Rice Creek Parkway. The analysis also assumes signalization at the
east site driveway to CR J, at the CR IIWest 1-35W Ramp intersection, and at the CR I1East I-35W
Ramp intersection. The only other change to the road system assumed is a left turn lane from
westbound CR I to the West 1-35W ramps.
With the project generated traffic, all of the key intersections are forecast to operate at LOS D or
better during the PM peak traffic hour except the intersection of CR J and the West I-35W Service
Road which is forecast to operate at LOS E. The forecast traffic volumes at this intersection will
approach or exceed the practical capacity of the intersection resulting in long delay times.
The intersection analysis assumes a traffic signal with walk/don't walk indications and pedestrian
push button and 100 pedestrians per hour at the intersection ofCR I and Rice Creek Parkway. There
are children who walk from the residential area east of Rice Creek to Pinewood School on the west
side of I-35W. When Rice Creek Parkway is constructed they will need to cross it and pedestrian
crossing facilities (crosswalk, push-button) will need to be provided.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 6
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Without access to CR I, only about 35 percent of the proposed site developmeq!..could be
accommodated with a LOS E intersection operating threshold. With improvements to CR J and no
access to CR I, approximately 80 percent of the site development could be accommodated.
1.4.8 Air Quality
The residential units associated with the proposed project could generate particulate (wood smoke)
emissions and odors if they are equipped with fireplaces, The business park uses may generate
emissions from heating equipment or industrial processes. Emissions from these potential sources
are dependant on the fuel used, type of equipment and type of industrial process, If facilities are
proposed that require air emissions permits, permits will be obtainedcprior to construction.
The impacts of the proposed project on air quality were evaluated by modeling future traffic flow
and vehicle emissions at intersections in the vicinity of the project to estimate CO concentrations
with project generated traffic. Analysis was conducted of both the CR I and CR J interchanges with
1-35W. These interchange areas will experience the highest traffic volumes in the vicinity of the
project and will therefore have the highest CO concentrations. Receptor sites were selected in the
vicinity of each interchange to represent locations where people may be present for time periods
consistent with air quality standards.
The analysis yielded a maximum one-hour average CO concentration of 5.0 PPM relative to a
standard of30 PPM. The maximum forecast eight-hour average CO concentration was 3,6 PPM
relative to a standard of 9 PPM. Therefore no significant air quality impacts are expected.
1.4.9 Noise
The existing environment in the vicinity of the proposed project is subject to noise from motor
vehicles. The primary source of vehicular noise in the study area is traffic on 1-35W because of the
large volume of traffic on the freeway, the speed of the traffic and the high percentage of trucks in
the traffic mix.
The proposed project will generate additional traffic which will add to existing traffic noise levels
along streets serving the project. Noise sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the project that could
be affected by traffic noise include the following:
. Residential development on the north side of CR I east of Rice Creek. Residences are
generally approximately 100 feet from the roadway centerline.
. Residential development on the north side of CR Iwest of 1-35W. Residences are
generally approximately 100 feet from the roadway centerline.
. Residential development proposed as part of the Rice Creek development project. The
nearest residential units are approximately 650 feet from the centerline ofI-35W.
Noise impacts in these areas were estimated for the PM peak traffic hour. All of the predicted noise
levels were below the state daytime residential noise standards. The project generated traffic adds
a maximum of 2 dBA to traffic noise levels along CR 1 The residential development proposed as
WISPARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 7
8>('1
part of the proposed project will experience approximately 62 dBA outside of those units closest to
1-35W. When intervening buildings are constructed, traffic noise levels in the residential area will
be reduced.
Based on this analysis, the proposed project will not have significant noise impacts,
1.4.10 Potential For Environmental Hazard, Groundwater Contamination and
Abandoned Wells
(Consistent with the Final Scoping Decision, this section addresses the MnDOT property
only. The U of M property was addressed in the Scoping EA W.)
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the MnDOT property identified the following
potential environmental hazards on the MnDOT property:
· Areas of stained and disturbed soils including a small area of spilled, hardened tar and soil
mixed with asphalt, wood and trash in the northeast portion of the site.
· Trash and solid wastes have been dumped on the property including tires, furniture, metal
debris, white goods, shingles, wood and household trash.
· A cement building foundation of a former farmstead exists in the southwest portion of the
site. The farmstead may have had a septic system, well and/or underground heating oil
tank.
The ESA did not identify the presence of any underground storage tanks or above ground storage
tanks. No wells were identified on the MnDOT site, although there may have been a well associated
with the former farmstead.
1.4.11 HistoricaUArchaeological Resources
A Phase I Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey of the Rice Creek Corporate Park project area was
conducted. Two archaeological sites, one each dating to the pre-contact and historic periods, were
located. The pre-contact period site debris (21 RA42) consists of a single piece of chipped stone
flaking. The historic archaeological site (2IRA43) consists of building foundations, a silo, and a light
scatter of glass, metal, and ceramics around an abandoned farmstead identified on a series of historic
maps. Neither site was recommended for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and no
additional archaeological investigations were recommended.
Neither the pre-contact nor historic period archaeological investigations identified any sites with
potential for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, a finding of "no
properties" was recommended for the project area. A September 3, 1998 letter from the'SHPO
concurred with that recommendation <lnd is attached in Appendix A.
1.4.12 Parks, Recreational Areas and Trails
Currently, within the boundaries of the U of M property and the MnDOT property there are no
existing parks, recreational areas or trails. A segment of the proposed Rice Creek Parkway from the
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
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southern boundary of the MnDOT property to County Road I is proposed to be constructed through
Rice Creek North property referred to in the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor Master Plan.
This property is owned by Ramsey County and is designated open space. The Rice Creek North
property is protected by the Home Rule Charter for Ramsey County which states that there will be
"no net loss of parkland." In accordance with this policy, parkland converted to a different use must
be replaced in an equivalent amount and of similar quality,
Metropolitan Council regional park funds and Federal Land and Water Conservation (LA WCON)
funds were used to acquire the Ramsey County property. The conversion of parkland purchased with
LA WCON funds to a different use requires replacement property of-equal or greater appraised value
and of equivalent recreational usefulness,
The proposed construction of Rice Creek Parkway will cross approximately 1,400 feet of Ramsey
County's Rice Creek North Trail site. The parcel of county property required for Rice Creek
Parkway is 6.21 acres in size and is a mix of wetland and sloping upland. There are no structures or
any recreational enhancements (i.e. trails) within or abutting the impacted property, The proposed
roadway has been designed to minimize, to the extent practical, the extent of encroachment into the
Rice Creek North property.
The proposed project will provide 10 acres for youth athletic fields. The components and design of
the youth athletic fields will be studied further by the City of 5horeview. A new trail along the
eastern and southern edge of the residential units is also proposed. The new trail will cross Rice
Creek via a newly constructed pedestrian bridge and connect to the existing Rice Creek North trail
system.
1.4.13 Infrastructure and Public Services
(a) Utilities
Lateral connections to available trunk service will be required to serve the project site. The proposed
Rice Creek Parkway will traverse the two 60-inch diameter aqueducts owned by the 51. Paul Water
Utility. Initial contacts with the 51. Paul Water Utility indicate that, while they try to minimize the
number of crossings over these aqueducts, such a crossing may be possible. The City proposes
therefore to lower the two aqueducts over a distance of approximately 400 feet to allow for the Rice
Creek Parkway crossing.
In a related project, the City of Shoreview will be providing municipal water service to the project
site via an extension of the existing water main located to the east, along Lexington Avenue, The
proposed water main will be extended west to the property;1hen southerly to connect t{) -QIl existing
dead-end water main located in Schutta Road. Lateral extensions through the minor streets of the
proposed development will provide water service to the individual parcelslbuildings.
Municipal sanitary sewer service is provided indirectly by a sixty inch (60") Metropolitan Council
Environmental Services (MCES) Interceptor, which runs along the easterly boundary of the project
site. Extension from the MCES Interceptor to the proposed development will be necessary and made
in accordance with relevant standards or requirements of the MCES.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
Page 9
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(b) Schools
The proposed project would result in approximately 91 additional students from the housing units.
Approximately 60 ofthe additional students would be evenly divided among the six grade levels at
Pinewood Elementary School. If these students were to arrive in the Winter of 1999, one additional
classroom would be added for Kindergarten and one for Grade 4. This could be accommodated
within the Pinewood Elementary School building, without deviating from District classroom size
target ranges.
The relatively small projected increase at the junior and senior high schools is not expected to
significantly impact school operations even in the short term. There is currently relatively more
unused capacity at the District's junior. and senior high schools, Edgewood and Irondale,
respectively, than at the elementary schools.
Overall, the Mounds View School District is expecting a long-term, gradual decline in school
enrollment. Therefore, the additional student population generated by the housing units proposed
for the project site will not have a significant impact on long-term District school operations.
1.4.14 Compatibility With Plans
The type, mix and density proposed for Rice Creek Corporate Park is corisistent with the type, mix
and density of land uses designated in the amended Comprehensive Plan for the project site.
The proposed Rice Creek Parkway traverses Ramsey County-owned property designated recreation
open space/park in the current Comprehensive Plan. This property is part of the Rice Creek North
Regional Trail property referred to in the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor Master Plan,
("Rice Creek North Master Plan") prepared by Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department,
December 1997.
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter and County Board Resolution No. 93-201 establish a "no
net loss of park land" policy. In addition, LA WCON funds provided partial funding for Ramsey
County acquisition of a portion of this property. As a result, the City's proposed construction of Rice
Creek Parkway through Ramsey County property will require City conveyance of suitable
replacement property to satisfy the Ramsey County "no net loss" policy as well as federal LA WCON
requirements. This proposal is expressly recognized in the Rice Creek North Master Plan (Vll-2)
which states that "in order to provide road access from County Road I, the City would propose to
exchange a part of their (MnIDOT] parcel contiguous to an existing scenic easement acquired by
Ramsey County along the southern boundary of the University property, for an equivalent portion
of the trail corridor adjacent to Interstate Highway 35W right-of-way."
1.5 MITIGATION PLAN
As documented in the DElS the mitigation measures proposed for the alternative project are
substantially the same as the proposed project.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
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1.5.1 Wetlands
The Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act ryvCA) requires a minimum of 2: I replacement for
wetland impacts. At least the first half of this replacement area must be in the form of created or
restored wetland, termed New Wetland Credit (NWC). The remaining mitigation requirement may
be in the form of Public Value Credit (PVC) generated by preservation of upland buffers around
replacement wetlands and/or creation of project-related water quality treatment ponds, The Army
Corps of Engineers typically requires a I: I replacement ratio. The DNR has no specific replacement
ratio for public waters wetland impacts.
The mitigation plans developed for this project have been, designed .specifically to replace and
enhance the functions and values of the impacted wetlands, The wetland areas to be filled are
primarily low quality wetlands that have monotypic vegetation dominated by reed canary grass, an
invasive, low value plant for wildlife. They have also been hydrologically altered to some degree.
The proposed mitigation plans integrate the remaining wetlands with newly created wetland, water
quality ponds and upland communities. The purpose of combining these different treatments is to
create diverse complexes that will provide improved wildlife habitat as well as wetland replacement.
Hydrology will be augmented by treated storm water runoffwhi1e wildlife habitat will be improved
by introducing native plants to the wetlands and adjacent uplands.
Four areas within to the project site have been identified as wetland replacement sites. Each of the
replacement areas is located adjacent to an existing wetland. More mitigation will be created on-site
than is required for this project. Excess wetland replacement credit will be banked to be available
for use on other projects as is allowed under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Specific
detailed drawings of the proposed mitigation areas will be completed and coordinated with
regulatory agency staff as part of the permit application and review process.
1.5.2 Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources
The project proposer has incorporated a number of measures into the site plans that minimize the
impacts of site development on the local wildlife populations. Measures incorporated into the site
plan include:
. Preserving on-site wetland and creating additional open space habitat adjacent to preserved
wetlands,
. Preserving open space along the bluff of Rice Creek to buffer the proposed development
from the wetland complex habitat.
. Turning over most of the preserved open space to public ownership or easement so that the
habitat value can be maximized with proper management.
Other measures being considered include:
. Incorporating native grasses, trees and shrubs in landscaping plans to enhance wildlife habitat
value.
. Preserving mature trees where feasible, as required by Shoreview tree protection ordinances.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 11
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1.5.3 Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species
Based on the guidelines recommended by the DNR Natural Heritage Program, several mitigation
measures will be considered in the site plans to accommodate the potential presence of Blanding's
turtles in this area. The following mitigation measures will be incorporated into the proposed plans
where feasible:
. Silt fence will be installed at the top of the bluff line at the edge of the proposed
disturbance zone to keep turtles out of the construction zone.
. Roads will be kept to the minimal width required to meet capacity and'safety standards.
. Permanent barriers may be used at the road .crossing to.keep turtles off of the new
roadway to minimize potential for road kills, These barriers could also be used at the
bluff top to keep turtles out of the developed areas if this would further minimize
incidental turtle loss due to human activities.
. The Rice Creek North wetland complex will be protected from direct road and
development runoff via storm water treatment ponds and naturally vegetated buffers.
1.5.4 Water-Related Land Use Management Districts: Shoreland and Floodplain
(a) Shoreland
Work on and near steepslopes will be minimized, appropriate erosion control measures will be
employed and soils will be stabilized with vegetation as soon as possible. Views from the proposed
trail and from Rice Creek will be considered in the final design of the proposed development. Native
vegetation within the Rice Creek corridor will be left in its natural state to enhance wildlife habitat
and protect water quality,
(b) Floodplain
Floodplain lost to road construction will be replaced in immediately adjacent areas in order to cause
no negative impact on flood profiles. A small water quality pond will be constructed within the
floodplain near the southerly end of Rice Creek Parkway. The southeasterly portion of the MnDOT
property will be excavated to provide additional floodplain replacement. The total volume of new
flood storage created will be approximately 12 acre-feet, more than 50% greater than the 7.8 acre-
feet lost to roadway construction. Plans for the proposed floodplain replacement must be approved
by the Rice Creek Watershed District.
1.5.5 Surface Water Runoff
The first mitigative technique is to minimize the amount of impervious area by concentrating
development with appropriate landscaping relief and preserving large areas of open space for
wetlands, ponds, park and natural slopes.
All surface runoff from the proposed project will be collected in a storm sewer system and routed
through four storrnwater treatment ponds. Some of the runoff will be treated and diverted into the
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
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existing and created wetlands to provide water to augment ground water and other surface water
sources. The ponds will provide both water quality and quantity control. Rates of discharge from
the project will be less than those from the undeveloped site.
The ponds will be designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards and provide
significant removal of suspended solids and nutrients as well as removal of heavy metals and other
pollutants, Specific pond design will be determined by Rice Creek Watershed District permit
requirements through a coordinated design effort.
The ponds will be maintained by the City, A routine maintenance schedule will be established for
the ponds in order to ensure their effectiveness, "Access for pond maintenance will be provided
through the use of easements or other appropriate mechanisms.
1.5.6 Erosion and Sedimentation
An erosion and sedimentation control plan will be developed to comply with city requirements and
the requirements of the Rice Creek Watershed District.
1.5.7 Traffic
The analysis of the. proposed project assumed the following roadway improvements:
. Completion of Rice Creek Parkway through the project site, connecting CR I and CR J
. Signalization and lane improvements at the CR I and CR J intersections with Rice Creek
Parkway as illustrated on Figure 5-3
. Signalization at the east site driveway to CR J.
. Signalization at the CR I/West 1-35W Ramp intersection and at the CR I/East 1-35W
Ramp intersection,
. Left turn lane from westbound CR I to the West 1-35W ramps.
All of these improvements are expected to be completed as part of the project, The CR I
improvements will be constructed by Ramsey County beginning in spring 1999,
The only significant traffic impact forecast to occur with the project is at the intersection of CR J and
the West 1-35W Service Road. This intersection is forecast to operate at LOS E in the PM peak
traffic hours. Resolving this traffic impact would require an additional lane in each direction on the
bridge over 1-35W, According to the Universitv of Minnesota Parcel Traffic Study, replacement of
the bridge along with new traffic signal systems at both ramp terminals would cost approximately
$2,000,000,
As noted above, the project will include pedestrian crossing facilities (crosswalk, push-button) at the
intersection of CR I and Rice Creek Parkway.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
Page 13
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The youth athletic field area adjacent to Rice Creek Parkway will include a park and ride facility with
a public transit stop, The final design and funding sources will be addressed during the PUD final
stage process.
1.5.8 Air Quality
The proposed project will have no significant impact on air quality so no mitigation is required,
1.5.9 Noise
The proposed project will have no significant noise impact so no mitigation is required,
1.5.10 Potential For Environmental Hazard, Groundwater Contamination and Abandoned
Wells
(Consistent with the Final Scoping Decision, this section addresses the MnDOT property
only, The U of M property was addressed in the Scoping EA w.)
In accordance with the recommendations of the ESA, the following measures will be taken to
minimize the potential for environmental contamination:
. Prior to and during development of the project site, all wastes will be removed and properly
disposed. Should any previously undiscovered containers or wastes be uncovered during
development of the project site, proper regulatory requirements will be followed.
. The spilled tar will be removed and properly disposed.
. The cement floor/foundation of the former farmstead will be removed. The location of the
drain outlet and potential septic system will be identified and removed if present.
Underground tanks and wells, if encountered, will be properly abandoned.
1.5.11 HistoricaVArcbaeological Resources
The proposed project will require no mitigation.
1.5.12 Parks, Recreational Areas and Trails
The City will acquire the 23-acre MnDOT site and will transfer an 18.83 acres acre parcel to Ramsey
County in exchange for the 6.21 acres of park property required for Rice Creek Parkway.
The Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed exchange,
recommended approval and found that the exchange is mutually beneficial and is consistent with the
"no net loss of park land" policy of Ramsey County. 'Metropolitan Council regional park funds and
Federal LA WCON funds were used to acquire the Ramsey County property. Therefore,
Metropolitan Council and U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service concurrence of the
exchange is also required.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
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1.5.13 Infrastructure and Public Services
(a) Utilities
No mitigation is required.
(b) Schools
No mitigation is required,
1.5.14 Compatibility With Plans
No mitigation is required,
1.6 PERMITS AND APPROVALS
A number of pemrits will be required as part of the approval process for the proposed WISP ARK
Rice Creek Corporate Park. A list of the identified pemrits, the affected agency, and the pemrit
status follows.
Unit of
Government.
Federal
Army Corps of Engineers
Department of the Interior,
National Park Service
State
Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA)
Type of
A lication
Status
Section 404 Pemrit
Clean Water Act
To be applied for
LA WCON 6(f) Approval
To be applied for
National Pollution
Discharge Elimination
System Pemrit
To be applied for
Clean Water Act Section
401, Water Quality Cert.
To be applied for
Indirect Source Pemrit
To be applied for
Sewer Extension Permit
To be applied for
Air Emissions Permits
To be applied for if
Necess
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 15
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Unit of Type of
Government Application Status
MPCA - Voluntary Certificates of Completion In process, to be
Investigation and Cleanup No Action Agreement iss ued
Program No Association Determination
Minnesota Department Water Main Extension To be applied for
of Health
Abandonment of Water To be approved
Well
Minnesota Department Public Waters Permit To be applied for
of Natural Resources
Groundwater Appropriation Need to be
Permit determined
License to cross public waters To be applied for
(for moving the aqueducts)
Minnesota Department Development, Grading, To be applied for
of Transportation Drainage Permit
Off-site Roadway To be applied for
Improvements
Rel!ional
Metropolitan Council Shoreview Comprehensive Pending I
Plan Amendment
Approval II
Concurrence in Rice Creek Pending
North Regional Trail Land I
Exchange
Connection Permit To be applied for
to connect to the I
Metropolitan Interceptor
Rice Creek Watershed Grading and Drainage To be applied for I
District Permit
Wetland Replacement To be applied for .
Plan Approval under
Wetland Conservation Act -
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park December 10. 1998
Draft EIS Page 16 II
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I 11/, 1
~e Unit of Type of
Government Annlication Status
I Local
I Ramsey County Road Access Permits To be applied for
~. Development, Drainage, To be applied for
Grading Permit
I Rice Creek North Regional Trail .-. Pending
Land Exchange Approval
, City of Shoreview Comprehensive Plan Approved by City Council.
Amendment May 18, 1998
. Rezoning Approved by City Council
May 18,1998, effective upon
Approval of PUD final stage
. Plan and execution of
Appropriate agreements
-- Land Subdivision To be applied for
Approval
~ PUD/Site Approval Concept Stage PUD
approved by City Council on
, May 18, 1998
Development Stage Pending
~ PUD plan
Final Stage To be applied for
, PUD plan
Storm Sewer Permit To be applied for
~ Erosion Control Surety To be applied for
or Agreement
, St. Paul Water Utility Approval of Relocation To be applied for
of Aqueduct Crossing
~
,. WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park December 10, 1998
. Draft EIS Page 17
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lis
e 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed project is located on a 230-acre parcel of land in the city of Shoreview, Ramsey
County at the southeast comer of the intersection of 1-35W and County Road J (NW 1,4; N V2, SW
1;.\; and NW %, NE % of section 4, Township 30 North, Range 23 West, city of Shoreview, Ramsey
County, Minnesota), The proposed project location is shown on Figures 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3.
2.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
~
Proposed Development
The proposed project is a mixed-use development on a 230-acre project site in the southeast quadrant
of 1-35W and County Road J in the city of Shoreview. 207 acres of the project site are currently
owned by the University of Minnesota (UU of M") and about 23 acres immediately south of the U
of M parcel are currently owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (uMnDOT"), Rice
Creek North Regional Trail Corridor ("Rice Creek North"), Rice Creek and a wetland complex
adjoin the project site on the east and south. Figure 2-4 shows current land ownership.
.
About I 05 acres of the project site are proposed for business park, office and commercial uses. 46
acres are proposed for medium density residential use, 10 acres for youth athletic fields and 55 acres
are proposed for wetlands, ponds and scenic easements. A total of 1,293,000 gross square feet of
commercial and industrial land use is proposed, together with 304 attached residential units. The
following sub-categories of commercial/industrial use are proposed: business park - 1,030,000
square feet; office park - 204,000 square feet; and commercial - 59,000 square feet. Figure 2-5
provides the proposed project site plan.
Related Infrastructure Improvements
The proposed project requires construction of a north-south collector roadway connecting County
Road J on the north with County Road I on the south. The north-south roadway is hereinafter
referred to as "Rice Creek Parkway." Rice Creek Parkway will be a municipal state-aid street with
an 80-foot wide right of way. The proposed Rice Creek Pmkway traverses the MnDOT property,
the undeveloped Rice Creek North property and two 60-inch diameter aqueducts owned by the
SI. Paul Water Utility. Through the project site, Rice Creek Parkway will be a four-lane roadway.
The roadway will transition to two lanes through the MnDOT property and will have two lanes
through the Rice Creek North property to minimize impacts on parklands, wetlands and floodplains.
The Rice Creek Parkway approach to County Road I will have a total of five lanes.
.
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter and County Board Resolution No. 93-201 establish a "no
net loss of park land" policy. Land and Water Conservation Funds ("LA WCON") provided partial
funding for Ramsey County's acquisition of a portion of the Rice Creek North property and
Metropolitan Council regional park funds were also used. As a result, the City of Shoreview's
("City's") proposed construction of Rice Creek Parkway through Rice Creek North will require City
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporale Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 19
1.( t)
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conveyance of suitable replacement property to satisfy the Ramsey County "no net loss" policy, as
well as federal LA WCON requirements and will also require Metropolitan Council concurrence,
Subject to further investigation, and based on initial contacts with the St. Paul Water Utility, the City
proposes to lower the two aqueducts over a distance of approximately 400 feet to allow for the Rice
Creek Parkway crossing. This is necessary to.match the grade of Rice Creek Parkway at County
Road I. Further coordination with the St. Paul Water Utility will occur to assure that the offset will
not negatively affect the flow in these lines. Relocation of the aqueducts will likely occur during the
off-peak water usage months of October to April, and only one line will be allowed to be out of
service at a gi ven time.
The proposed development site requires water distribution service to the site. Trunk water main will
be "looped" through Ramsey County Rice Creek North property, the development site and connected
to the City of Shoreview's existing system at Schutta Road and Lexington Avenue. Construction
of the water main will create a temporary disturbance to sensitive areas. The trench will be restored
to the original grade and backfilled with organic materials where removed.
The proposed development site trails will connect to existing trail systems outside of the project
limits. The trail connection is proposed to cross Rice Creek and connect to the recently constructed
Rice Creek North Corridor Trail. The exact location of the trail crossing bridge is unknown at this
time. The trail alignment and crossing is expected to follow the water main trench alignment to
minimize construction impacts. The final alignment chosen for the water main and trail will
minimize impact to the open space, creek and wetlands.
The proposed project is designed to minimize impacts to the environment to the maximum extent
feasible and practicable. The southeastern portion of the U of M property is designated as scenic
easement and is included within the Rice Creek North Corridor. No development is allowed in the
scenic easement.
The project site includes about 9 acres of wetlands. The proposed project will impact about 2 acres
of wetlands within the proposed development site. Construction of the proposed Rice Creek
Parkway through Rice Creek North property will affect an additional 2.8 acres of wetlands. As
discussed in Section 4.1.3, unavoidable wetland impacts will be mitigated at a 2: I ratio by a
combination of on-site wetland creation and public value credits.
The project site includes portions of the Rice Creek floodplain. The proposed Rice Creek Parkway
will encroach on 7.8 acre-feet of the IOO-year floodplain in the Rice Creek North property southwest
of the project site. Compensatory storage consistent with Rice Creek Watershed District
requirements will be provided.
The proposed project and related Rice Creek Parkway will include a storm water management plan
consistent with City and Rice Creek Watershed District requirements. In general, post-development
runoff from all impervious areas and from much of the pervious areas will be routed through water
quality treatment ponds prior to discharge from the project site. Subject to further analysis, regional
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
Page 20
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ponding is proposed on the MnDOT property to detain and pretreat runoff from the proposed project
and Rice Creek Parkway. In addition, the project proposer and the City will work with the Rice
Creek Watershed District to explore environmentally and ecologically creative ideas to augment
traditional treatment methods.
The project proposer plans to begin site preparation work and construction of huildings in the spring
of 1999. Rice Creek Parkway is proposed to he constructed during this same time period.
2.3 RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENTAL UNIT
The Responsible Governmental Unit for this project is the City of Shore vIew: The-c{)fltact person
for the project is:
Tom Simonson
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director
City of Shoreview
4600 North Victoria Street
Shoreview, Minnesota 55126
Phone: 612/490-4612
Fax: 612/490-4699
2.4 PURPOSE OF THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT
The Final Scoping Decision, adopted June 10, 1998, identified the following issues to be addressed
in this draft EIS:
. Potential for Environmental Hazards*
. Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources
. Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species
. Wetlands
. Abandoned Wells*
. Water-related Land Use Management Districts
. Erosion and Sedimentation
. Surface Water Runoff
. Groundwater - Potential for Contamination*
. Traffic
. Vehicle-Related Air Emissions
. Traffic Noise
. Archaeological, Historical or Architectural Resources
. Designated Parks, Recreation Areas or Trails
. Compatibility with Plans
. Impact on Infrastructure and Public Services
'Note: Analysis has been completed for the U of M property. This issue will be addressed for the MnlDOT
property only.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 27
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Current Land
Ownership 1
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County
(Rice Creek North)
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Road I
(J 200' 400'
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WISPARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Shoreview, Mn.
Draft EIS
March 1998
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3.0 AL TERNA TIVES
3.1 NO-BUILD
Although the no-build alternative is not consistent with the City's comprehensive plan, it is
addressed in this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) because it is required by Minnesota
Environmental Quality Board rules. The no-build alternative assumes that the proposed mixed-use
project and the alternative business park project will not be constructed.
3.2 PROPOSED PROJECT - Mixed-Use Development
The project proposed by WISPARK is described in detail in the Project Description (Section 2.0).
The following is a breakdown of the entire 230-acre development by land use category:
Business Park - 79 acres 1,030,000 gross square feet
Office Building - 17 acres 204,000 gross square feet
Commercial - 9 acres 59,000 gross square feet
Residential - 46 acres 304 units
Wetlands/ponds/open spaces - 55 acres
Recreational Area - 10 acres
Roads/rights-of-way - 14 acres
The business park, office and commercial developments will be oriented to the major arterials
bordering the site (County Road J and 1-35W) while the residential development will be oriented
to Rice Creek North. The residential entrance to the site will be oriented from County Road I to the
south through the open space and proposed ponding area, while the business park entrance is
oriented to County Road J.
Related Infrastructure Improvements
A new roadway, Rice Creek Parkway, will be constructed from County Road J on the north through
the U of M and MnDOT properties to County Road I on the south. South of the MnDOT property,
the roadway crosses Ramsey County Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor property and City
of St. Paul Water Utility property.
The proposed development site requires water distribution service to the site. Trunk water main will
be "looped" through the Rice Creek North property, the development site and connected to the City
of Shoreview's existing system at Schutta Road and Lexington Avenue.
The proposed development site trails will connect to existing trail systems outside of the project
limits. A trail connection is proposed to cross Rice Creek and connect to the recently constructed
Rice Creek North Trail.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 29
*'2(c.{
3.3 ALTERNATIVE PROJECT - Business Park
(Substitution of 550,000 gross square feet of business park use for 46 acres of medium density residential use
included in the proposed project.)
In this alternative, the 304 proposed residential units (46 acres) would be replaced with an additional
550,000 gross square feet of business park use resulting in a total of 1,580,000 gross square feet of
business park. The additional business park use would be similar in type and design to the 1.03
million square feet of business park development proposed by WISP ARK for 79 acres of the project
site.
The following is a breakdown of the alternative business park development by land use category:
Business Park - 125 acres 1,580,000 gross square feet
Office Building - 17 acres 204,000 gross square feet
Commercial - 9 acres 59,000 gross square feet
Wetlands/ponds/open spaces -55 acres
Recreational Area - 10 acres
Roads/rights-of-way - 14 acres
Related Infrastructure Improvements
A new roadway, Rice Creek Parkway, will be constructed from County Road J on the north through
the U of M and MnDOT properties to County Road I on the south. South of the MnDOT property,
the roadway crosses Ramsey County Rice Creek North property and City of St. Paul Water Utility
property.
The alternate development site requires water distribution service to the site. Trunk water main will
be "looped" through the Rice Creek North property, the development site and connected to the City
of Shoreview's existing system at Schutta Road and Lexington Avenue,
The alternate development is expected to have a trail connection across the Rice Creek North
property to the existing trail on the other side of Rice Creek.
3.4 OTHER TYPES OF AL TERNA TIVES CONSIDERED BUT NOT
. INCLUDED IN THE EIS
Alternative Sites
The environmental impact statement does not address environmental impacts of alternative sites
because this type of alternative would not meet the underlying need for or purpose uf the project. The
project site is designated business park, office, commercial and medium density housing in the City
of Shoreview Comprehensive Plan, amended by the City Council on May 18, 1998, subject to
approval by the Metropolitan Council. The Comprehensive Plan recognizes that only about 5% of
the City's land remains undeveloped. The project site constitutes about one-half of the City's
undeveloped acreage and the remaining available parcels are generally small and adjoin one or more
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 30
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existing land uses. Over the years, the City has consistently sought development that would meet
the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, Moody's Investor Services, the
financial entity that establishes the City's bond rating, has advised the City to diversify its tax base
by adding commercial and industrial development. The project site is the largest remaining site in
the community to accomplish this goal. The City's development objectives for the project site
implement the Comprehensive Plan goal and objectives for this policy area. They include:
. Create an integrated mixed-use community (housing, jobs, services)
. Expand housing styles and selection in the community
. Provide additional job opportunities and diversify tax base
. Link land uses to the region utilizing transit and trails
. Enhance and protect project site environmental features.
From the City's perspective, the primary project purpose is to implement the policies, goals and
objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. There is no other available site in the community on which
a development consistent with the Comprehensive Plan could be located. Therefore, alternative sites
are not included in the environmental impact statement because they would not meet underlying
project purposes.
Alternative Technolol!ies
The environmental impact statement does not address environmental impacts of alternative
technologies because they would not have significant environmental benefit compared to the
proposed project. The proposed project is a mixed-use development consisting of business park,
office, commercial and residential uses. Technology, as distinct from modified project design, is
generally not a factor in assessing environmental impacts of these types of land uses on the issues
included in the scope of the EIS (e.g., traffic, surface water runoff, wetlands and wildlife habitat).
Therefore, this alternative is not included in the EIS. However, the comparative environmental
effects of alternative methods for constructing Rice Creek Parkway are discussed in Section 4.1.2
of the EIS.
Modified Desil!ns or Lavouts
The proposed project has evolved and changed since it was originally proposed over a year ago,
These changes have been made to address market forces, environmental conditions, concerns of the
City and engineering design refinements.
The evolution of the site design has included the following changes and modifications:
. Incorporation of stormwater ponds to control the quality and quantity of stormwater
runoff.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page3 I
~~
.
Incorporation of wetland mitigation sites to replace existing wetlands that will be
impacted by the project. -
Expansion of floodplain storage to replace storage lost due to the construction of Rice
Creek Parkway.
Designation of 10 acres of recreational area for use by the City.
Changes to the number and layout of residential units,
Reorientation of the proposed trail system to minimize impacts to the bluff and wetlands.
Refinements to the design and location of Rice Creek Parkway to minimize wetland and
floodplain impacts.
.
.
.
.
.
Additional documentation concerning comparative impacts of modifieodesigns or layouts will be
provided as part of future permit applications for the proposed project on the project site. This
includes, but is not limited to alternatives analysis required for approval of a wetland replacement
plan under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act and for approval of a Section 404 permit under
the Clean Water Act.
Modified Scale or Maenitude
Achievement of the City's development objectives for the project site requires a land use intensity
generally consistent with the land use intensity of the proposed project. A significant reduction in
scale or magnitude would not achieve City land use policies, goals and objectives. In addition, a
substantially reduced development would not provide the economic and employment benefits and
housing choices and diversity of housing styles provided by the proposed project. Therefore, such
an alternative is not included in the environmental impact statement. However, Section 5.1.2 of the
environmental impact statement considers the relationship of a related infrastructure improvement,
Rice Creek Parkway, to the magnitude of development on the project site under various forecast
intersection operation scenarios.
Alternatives Incorporatine Reasonable Mitieation Measures
The draft environmental impact statement identifies mitigation measures that could reasonably
eliminate or minimize potential adverse environmental effects of the proposed project. The
dfscussion of mitigation measures appears in each chapter of the document, rather than as a separate
section.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
Page 32
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5.0 TRANSPORTATION
5.1 TRAFFIC
5.1.1 Affected Environment
The primary roads adjacent to the project site include County Road (CR) J on the north, 1-35W on
the west, and CR I on the south.
CR J is a four-lane, undivided arterial roadway. There is a partial interchange with 1-35W west of
the project site providing access to and from the south on 1-35W. The traffic carrying capacity of
CR J is currently constrained by the existing two-lane bridge over 1-35W. In the vicinity of the
project site, there are existing traffic signals at the CR J intersections with the West 1-35W Service
Road, the east ramp terminal and at Lexington Avenue east of the project site.
1-35W is a 6-]ane limited access freeway. In addition to the interchanges with CR I and J there is
an interchange with TH ]]8 which extends west from 1-35W.
CR I is a two-lane undivided roadway with a full access, folded diamond interchange with 1-35W
west of the project site. The CR I intersections with the 1-35W ramps are currently controlled by stop
signs on the ramps,
Average daily traffic volumes on streets serving the site are shown in Tab]e 5-]. As shown in the
table, 1-35W carries approximately 87,000 vehicles per day just south of CR 1. CR I carries
approximately 6,600 vehicles per day east of 1-35W and CR J carries ]3,800 vehicles per day east
of 35W.
TABLES-I
HISTORIC A VERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES
LOCATION
Year I-35W 1-35W 1-35W CR J East CR I East
South of North of South of ofI-35W ofI-35W
CRJ CRI CRI
]976 2] ,850 26,870 3],750 3,810 3,745
1978 27,700 33,100 38,000 6,]00 3,550
1980 30,000 35,600 36,800 8,800 3,400
1982 33,000 38,600 41,300 8,700 3,000
]984 37,200 42,900 47,200 10,100 3,550
]986 46,500 5],500 52,500 11 ,000 5,700
1988 42,000 53,000 58,000 ]3,300 6,000
1990 5],000 68,000 74,000 ]2,500 6,90Q,
]992 53,000 74,000 79,000 13,000 7,306
]994 6],000 81,000 87,000 13,800 6,600
Source: MnDOT Traffic Flow Maps.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 61
4'/,1
Existing PM peak hour turning movement counts were conducted by SEH, Inc. as part of the
Universitv of Minnesota Parcel Traffic Studv conducted for the City of Shoreview in September
1997. These existing traffic counts are shown on Figure 5-1.
The quality of traffic flow is generally described using a measure called level of service, Level of
service (LOS) is described using letter grades A (best) through F (worst), LOS A represents free
flow conditions with little or no delay. LOS F represents extremely congested conditions with long
delay times, LOS D is generally considered to be an acceptable level of peak hour traffic operations
in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Level of service on an arterial roadway is generally controlled by intersection operations.
Intersection LOS is determined by estimating average vehicle delay times and comparing to the
following chart:
LEVEL OF AVERAGE
SERVICE DELAY
(Seconds)
A Under 5
B 5 to 15
C 15 to 25
D 25 to 40
E 40 to 60
F Over 60
Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers
Highway Capacity, 1994.
Intersection delay times are a function of the number of lanes at the intersection, the traffic volume
and the type of traffic control. These parameters determine the capacity of the intersection.
Comparing the volume of traffic at an intersection to the estimated capacity (the volume to capacity
or V IC ratio) yields an estimate of intersection delay that can be used to determine level of service.
Existing intersection traffic operations are documented in Table 5-2. As shown in the table all of
the' study area intersections currently operate at LOS C or better. However, the following
intersections movements experience unacceptable delays:
. Southbound left turn from Naples Street to eastbound CR J
· Northbound left turn from 1-35W west ramp to CR I westbound
· Northbound left turn from 1-35W east ramp to CR I westbound
WISPARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10. t 998
Page 62
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TABLE 5-2
EXISTING INTERSECTION TRAFFIC OPERATIONS (pM PEAK HOUR)
INTERSECTION TRAFFIC AVERAGE LEVEL COMMENT
CONTROL DELAY OF
(Seconds) SERVICE
CRJ &Westl-35W Signal 12.3 B
Access Road
CR J & East 1-35 W Signal 13.1 B
Ramp
CR J & Naples Street Thru-stop 5.8 B Southbound left turn
at LOS F
CR J & Lexington Signal C
CR 1 and West 1-35W Thru-stop 4.3 A Northbound left turn
Ramp at LOS F
CR 1 and East 1-35W Thru-stop 8.2 B Northbound left turn
Ramp at LOS E
Source: SEH, Inc" Universitv of Minnesota Parcel Traffic Study, September 1997
5.1.2 Environmental Impacts
No-Build Alternative
The no-build alternative will have no significant impacts on traffic operations, The no-build
alternative will not generate any additional traffic from the project site. The no-build alternative
would not develop Rice Creek Parkway connecting CR I and CR J.
Proposed Proiect - Mixed-Use Development
The traffic impacts of the proposed project have been evaluated based on the following
methodology:
. Trip generation - The number of vehicle trips that will be generated by the proposed
project are estimated using standard rates for similar land uses,
. Trip distribution - The geographic origins and destinations of site generated traffic are
estimated based on the roadway system and patterns of development in the metropolitan
area.
. Traffic assignment - The site generated traffic is assigned to the street system in
accordance with the trip distribution and added to background traffic to estimate future
traffic volumes.
. Intersection analysis - The future traffic volume forecasts are analyzed to determine
intersection level of service.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10. 1998
Page 64
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e Trip Generation
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The trip generation associated with each of the land uses in the proposed project is shown in Table
5-3. Trip generation estimates are based on rates documented in "Trip Generation", 6th Edition,
published in 1997 by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Trip generation rates are the number
of trips per square foot of development as surveyed at existing development sites. The rates are
generally for isolated, single use developments. In a mixed-use development, there will be a number
of multi-purpose trips such as an employee of the business park who stops at the gas station on his
way home or the resident who stops for coffee at the convenience store. Since most of the multi-
purpose trips will be associated with the commercial development, a multi-purpose trip reduction
factor of 15 percent has been applied to the commercial trip generation. This percentage is
consistent with guidance given in "Trip Generation."
Using this methodology, the proposed mixed-use development project is estimated to generate
approximately 26,500 daily trips with 2,535 in the PM peak traffic hour.
It should be noted that previous traffic studies of the project site including the Universitv of
Minnesota Parcel Traffic Studv used a higher trip generation rate for the business park land use
based on the 5th Edition of "Trip Generation". The trip generation estimates shown in the table are
based on the most current 6111 Edition rates. In order to assure a conservative analysis and to maintain
consistency with previous studies, the traffic forecasts and analysis are based on peak hour site trip
generation rates from the 51h Edition, which are higher and result in trip generation of 2,706 trips
(858 inbound and 1,848 outbound).
Trip Distribution
The geographic origins and destinations of site generated traffic is shown on Figure 5-2. This
distribution is taken from the Universitv of Minnesota Parcel Traffic Studv. The directional
distribution of site generated trips was estimated based on the roadway system and patterns of
development in the metropolitan area.
Traffic Assignment
The site generated traffic volumes were assigned to the street system in accordance with the trip
distribution. The traffic assignments assumes site access consistent with the proposed development
plan including the completion of Rice Creek Parkway between CR I and CR J and another site access
to CR J east of Rice Creek Parkway.
The forecast PM peak hour traffic volumes are shown on Figure 5-3. The figure indicates both the
site generated and total traffic volume at each intersection serving the site.
Intersection Analysis
The location of intersections considered in this analysis is shown on Figure 5-4. As previously
described, the proposed project includes the completion of Rice Creek Parkway through the project
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 65
NOTES:
S.F. = Square Footage
D.U. = Dwelling Units
/1 Consistent with "Trip Generation~ guidance, a multi-purpose trip reduction factor of 15% has been
applied to commerical trip generation. In a mixed use development, a number of multi-purpose
trips will be made by employees of the business park or residents to the commercial development.
-
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TABLE 5-3
TRIP GENERATION
Mixed~Use Develonment Scenario
Weekday P.M, Peak Hour Volume
Land Use Size Units Volume In Out- Total
Business Park 1,030,000 S.F. 13,100 306 1,023 1,329
Office Park 204,000 S.F. 2,300 43 263 306
Commercial:
Retail 32,000 S.F. 3,280 142 154 296
Restaurant 7,000 S.F. 3,470 122 112 234
Gas 3,600 S.F. 2,000 81 81 162
Retail 16,400 S.F. 2,130 91 99 190
Totai Commercial 10,900 436 446 686
15% Multi-purpose Trip Reduction /1 -1,640 -65 -67 -133
Residential 304 D.U. 1,800 110 54 147
Town Homes
Total External Trips 26,460 630 1,719 2,535
Generated by Site
Source: SRW, Inc. based on "Trip Generation", 6th Edition, Institute of Transportation Engineers, 1997.
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ARDEN HILLS
1990 POP. 9,199
Legend
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00% . Commercial Trips
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_ _ _ Proposed Rice Creek Parkway
Source: SEH
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. Shoreview, Mn.
Draft EIS
Figure 5-4
July 1998
Key Intersections
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site, connecting CR I and CR J, The intersection analysis assumes signalization and lane
improvements at the CR I and CR J intersections with Rice Creek Parkway as illustrated on Figure
5-3. The analysis also assumes signalization at the east site driveway to CR J, at the CR UWest 1-
35W Ramp intersection, and at the CR IlEast 1-35W Ramp intersection. The only other change to
the road system assumed is a left turn lane from westbound CR I to the West 1-35W ramps.
The results of the intersection analysis are shown in Table 5-4. As indicated in the table, all of the
key intersections are forecast to operate at LOS D or better during the PM peak traffic hour except
the intersection of CR J and the West 1-35W Service Road which is forecast to operate at LOS E.
The forecast traffic volumes at this intersection will approach or exceed the practical capacity of the
intersection resulting in long delay times.
As noted in Table 5-4, the intersection analysis assumes a traffic signal with walk/don't walk
indications and pedestrian push button and 100 pedestrians per hour at the intersection of CR I and
Rice Creek Parkway. (The assumption of 100 pedestrians per hour corresponds to a low volume of
pedestrians for the capacity analysis. A low volume of pedestrians is typically used for analysis in
suburban areas and produces a conservative result versus assuming no pedestrians.) There are
children who walk from the residential area east of Rice Creek to Pinewood School on the west side
of 1-35W. When Rice Creek Parkway is constructed they will need to cross it and pedestrian
crossingfacilities (crosswalk, push-button) will need to be provided,
As shown on Figure 5-3, the traffic analysis assumes 4 southbound lanes on Rice Creek Parkway to
CR 1. The forecast volume of right turns (743 in the PM peak hour) requires 2 right-turn lanes. The
forecast volume of left-turn movements (129 in the PM peak hour) requires a separate left-turn lane.
One through lane is provided.
Evaluation of Roadway Alternatives
An evaluation was conducted to determine how the development potential of the site would be
affected if Rice Creek Parkway were not constructed south of the site such that there would be no
direct access from the site to CR 1. This evaluation estimates the amount of development that could
occur on the site if Rice Creek Parkway does not connect south to CR I.
The evaluation was based on a base development scenario consisting of 272 residential dwelling
units and 5,000 S.F. of retail development. The base development was defined by the developer as
the minimum residential and retail development that would be feasible from a market perspective.
Office and business park development were then added incrementally until the following thresholds
were reached:
. Any intersection approach operating at LOS E or F.
. Any intersection operating at LOS E or F. Individual approaches may operate at LOS F.
. Any intersection operating at LOS F.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10, 1998
Page 70
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The evaluation considered three roadway options:
. Access to both CR I and CR J - the project as proposed with Rice Creek Parkway
continuous between CR I and CR J,
. Access to CR J only - Rice Creek Parkway does not connect south to CR 1.
. Access to CR J with interchange improvements - this option assumes that CR J is
widened from Rice Creek Parkway west through the 1-35W West Service Drive including
widening the bridge over 1-35W.
The results of this analysis are shown in Table 5-5. As shown in the table and discussed above, all
of the proposed development could be accommodated on the site with access to both CR I and CR
J with a LOS E intersection operating threshold. Without access to CR I, only about 35 percent of
the proposed site development could be accommodated even with a LOS E int<::rsection operating
threshold. With improvements to CR J, approximately 80 percent of the site development could be
accommodated. As discussed in the mitigation section below, the improvements to CR J are
estimated to cost approximately $2,000,000,
Consideration was also given to an access connection directly into the site at or near the TH 118
ramps without a connection to CR 1. However, it is unlikely that a workable design could be
developed given the relatively high design speed of the existing freeway ramps. MnDOT has
jurisdiction over this interchange and is not supportive of such a connection. In addition, a
connection to the TH 118 ramps would not provide the direct access to 1-35W required to support
the site development.
Alternative Proiect - Business Park
The alternative business park development was analyzed using the procedures described under the
proposed project. The trip generation associated with the alternative business park development is
shown in Table 5-6. The alternative business park development is forecast to generate 31,760 daily
trips with 3,100 during the PM peak traffic hour. The alternative development was assumed to have
the same geographic trip distribution as the proposed project (Figure 5-2). The forecast PM peak
hour traffic volumes were analyzed and resulted in the intersection operations shown in Table 5-7.
As indicated in the table, all of the key intersections are forecast to operate at LOS D or better during
the PM peak traffic hour except the intersections of CR J and the West 1- 35W Service Road and CR
J and the East 1-35W ramps. The CR JII-35W interchange is forecast to operate at LOS F. The
forecast traffic volumes through the interchange will exceed the practical capacity of the
intersections resulting in long delay times,
5.1.3 Mitigation Measures
No-Build Alternative
The no-build alternative will have no significant impacts un traffic operations so no mitigation is
required.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporale Park
DraflEIS
December 10. 1998
Page 72
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Weekday P.M. Peak Hour Volume
Land Use Size Units Volume In Out Total
Business Park 1,580,000 S,F. 20,200 469 1,569 2,038
Office Park 204,000 S.F. 2,300 43 263 306
Commercial:
Retail 32,000 S.F. 3,280 142 154 296
Restaurant 7,000 S.F. 3,470 122 112 234
Gas 3,600 S.F. 2,000 81 81 162
Retail 16,400 S.F. 2,130 91 99 - 190
Total Commercial 10,900 436 446 886
15% Multi-purpose Trip Reduction /1 -1,640 -65 -67 -133
Residential 0 D.U. 0 0 0 0
Town Homes
Total External Trips 31,760 883 2,211 3,097
Generated by Site
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TRIP GENERATION
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Source: BRW, Inc. based on "Trip Generation", 6th Edition, Institute of Transportation
Engineers, 1997.
NOTES:
S.F. = Square Footage
D.U. = Dwelling Units
/1 Consistent with rrrip Generation- guidance, a multi-purpose trip reduction factor of 15% has been
applied to commerical trip generation. In a mixed use development. a number of multi-purpose
trips will be made by employees of the business park or residents to the commercial development.
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Proposed Proiect - Mixed-Use Development
As nated in the impact sectian, the analysis af the propased project assumed the fallawing roadway
improvements:
. Campletian af Rice Creek Parkway thraugh the praject site, cannecting CR I and CR J
. Signalizatian and lane improvements at the CR I and CR J intersectians with Rice Creek
Parkway as illustrated an Figure 5-3
. Signalizatian at the east site driveway to. CR J.
. Signalizatianat the CR lIWest I-35W Ramp intersectian and at the CR I/East Ramp
intersectian.
. Left turn lane fram westbaund CR I to. the West I-35W ramps,
All af these improvements are expected to. be campleted as part af the project. The CR I
improvements will be canstructed as part af a praject to. be campleted by Ramsey Caunty in spring
1999.
The anly significant traffic impact farecast to. accur with the project is at the intersectian af CR J and
the West I-35W Service Raad. This intersectian is farecast to. aperate at LOS E in the PM peak
traffic haurs. Resalving this traffic impact wauld require an additianallane in each directian an the
bridge aver I-35W, According to. the University afMinnesata Parcel Traffic Study, replacement af
the bridge alang with new traffic signal systems at bath ramp terminals wauld cast approximately
$2,000,000.
As nated abave, the praject will include pedestrian crossing facilities (crosswalk, push-buttan) at the
intersectian af CR I and Rice Creek Parkway.
As shawn an the propased project site plan (Figure 2-5) the yauth athletic field area adjacent to. Rice
Creek Parkway will include a park and ride facility with a public transit stap, The final design and
funding saurces will be addressed during the PUD final stage process,
Alternative Proiect - Business Park
The alternative business park develapment will have mare significant traffic impacts than the
propased project. The alternative business park develapment will require all af the mitigatian
measures listed under the propased project. The improvements at theCR JI I-35W West Service
Raad intersectian including the new bridge aver I-35W wauld be required to. suppart this alternative
level af develapment.
5.2 AIR QUALITY
5.2.1 Affected Environment
The propased project will generate air pollutian as a result af matar vehicle activity generated by the
propased develapment. Matar vehicles emit a variety af air pallutants including carban manaxide
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
DraftEIS
December 10, 1998
Page 76
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(CO), hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and particulates, The primary pollutant of concern is CO for
the following reasons:
· CO is a tasteless, odorless gas that can cause health effects at relatively low
concentrations for relatively short exposure periods,
· The Twin Cities metropolitan area is classified by the V,S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) as a moderate non-attainment area for CO.
· The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires an Indirect Source Permit
(ISP) for construction of development with an associated parking facility containing more
than 2,000 parking spaces, The ISP is intended to regulate CO. Rice Creek Corporate
Park will require an ISP from the MPCA prior to construction. This draft EIS is
intended to provide the information needed by MPCA in support of an ISP for the
project.
CO is a byproduct of the combustion process. CO is emitted at a higher rate by vehicles that are
idling, accelerating or decelerating than those that are cruising at a constant speed, CO is emitted
at a higher rate by vehicles traveling at a lower speed than at a higher speed. For these reasons, CO
concentrations are generally highest in the vicinity of signalized intersections where vehicles are
delayed ~nd emitting more CO,
High CO concentrations generally occur in close proximity to roadway vehicle sources. Generally
concentrations approaching state air quality standards are within about 100 feet of a roadway source.
Further from the road, the CO in the air is dispersed by the wind and meteorological conditions such
that concentrations fall off rapidly,
The state ambient air quality standards for CO are 30 PPM (parts per million) for a one-hour period
and 9 PPM for an eight-hour period. These standards are set at levels to protect the most sensitive
members of the population and are not to be exceeded more than once per year.
The concentration of CO at any particular location is composed of both CO from local roadway
sources and ambient or background CO from remote sources. To fulfill MPCA ISP requirements,
a background CO monitoring program was conducted on the project site. The purpose of this
program was to quantify existing background CO concentrations in the vicinity ofthe project. The
monitoring was conducted between July 13 and July 27,1998 at a site located in the southeast comer
of CR J and Naples Street. The monitoring was conducted by Interpoll Labs, Inc, using equipment
and procedures approved by the MPCA and EP A for this type of work. A performance audit of the
monitoring equipment was conducted by MPCA and it was found that the monitor was operating
within accepted limits.
During the two-week monitoring period, the maximum monitored one-hour average CO
concentration was 1.5 PPM relative to a standard of 30 PPM. The maximum monitored eight-hour
average CO concentration was 1.2 PPM relative to a standard of 9 PPM. The overall average CO
concentration during the two-week period was 0.54 PPM.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10. 1998
Page 77
\~hJ
Generally, worst case CO concentrations occur during the fall or winter months. In the fall and
winter, vehicles emit more CO because of lower operating temperatures. Also during the fall and
winter, meteorological conditions (low wind speeds, temperature inversions) resulting in higher
concentrations are more likely to occur. For these reasons, EP A recommends that monitoring
conducted during the summer months be adjusted to account for worst case meteorology likely to
occur during the winter. This adjustment is based on average seasonal atmospheric mixing height
and wind speed. Using EPA procedures and data, a seasonal adjustment factor of 1.2 corrects the
summer CO monitoring to worst case winter conditions. Thus, the worst case background CO
concentrations expected in the vicinity of the project are 1.8 PPM one-hour average and 1.4 PPM
eight-hour average.
5.2.2 Environmental Impacts
No-Build Alternative
The no-build alternative will generate no additional traffic in the area and will therefore have no
impact on air quality,
Proposed Proiect - Mixed.Use Development
The residential units associated with the proposed project could generate particulate (wood smoke)
emissions and odors if they are equipped with fireplaces,
The business park uses may generate emissions from heating equipment or industrial processes.
Emissions from these potential sources are dependant on the fuel used, type of equipment and type
of industrial process. If facilities are proposed that require air emissions permits, permits will be
obtained prior to construction.
The impacts of the proposed project on air quality have been evaluated by modeling future traffic
flow and vehicle emissions at intersections in the vicinity of the project to estimate CO
concentrations with project generated traffic. The air quality modeling methodology consists of the
following steps:
. Traffic analysis - the results of the traffic impact analysis are used to determine traffic
volumes and intersection operational parameters including lane geometry, signal and
phase length.
. Emissions estimates - The EPA MOBILE5a mobile source emissions model is used to
estimate CO emission rates for vehicles traveling at various speeds,
. Dispersion model- The CAL3QHC line source dispersion model is used to model the
dispersion of pollutants from the roadway sources to the selected receptor locations.
. Background CO - As documented in the previous section, background CO
concentrations are added to the results of the modeling of local sources to estimate the
total future CO concentrations.
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The CO monitoring analysis requires numerous assumptions regarding meteorology and vehicle
operations. The following modeling assumptions are generally considered to be worst case
assumptions for this type of analysis.
o Wind speed of 1.0 meters per second.
o Analysis of 36 wind directions at 10 degree increments
o Ambient temperature of20 degrees Fahrenheit
o Atmospheric stability class D
o 20.6 percent of vehicles operating in a cold-start mode and 27.3 percent of vehicles
operating in a hot start mode.
o The analysis utilized year 2000 emission factors to represent the first year of operation
of any portion of the business park,
o Vehicle age mix consistent with Metropolitan area 1990 vehicle registration.
o Vehicle type mix was the national average mix taken from the MOBll.E5a model.
o One-hour average CO concentrations are predicted based on the PM peak hour traffic
volume forecasts documented in the traffic section,
o Eight-hour average CO concentrations are predicted based on the peak one-hour
concentrations, multiplied by a persistence factor of 0.7. The persistence factor accounts
for the lack of persistence of the worst-case meteorological conditions for eight
consecutive hours.
o The analysis assumes the roadway improvements documented in the traffic section.
Analysis was conducted of both the CR I and CR J interchanges with 1-35W. These interchange
areas will experience the highest traffic volumes in the vicinity of the project and will therefore have
the highest CO concentrations. Receptor sites were selected in the vicinity of each interchange to
represent locations where people may be present for time periods consistent with air quality
standards. The receptor sites are described below:
Receptor RI - Truck terminal north of CR J between 1-35W and the 1-35W west service drive
Receptor R2 - Proposed retail development south of CR J, east of the northbound off-ramp
from 1-35W
Receptor R3 - Truck terminal north of CR J, east of the northbound off-ramp from 1-35W
Receptor R4 - Residence north of CR I, east of the west 1-35W ramp terminal
Receptor R5 - Residence north of CR I, just west of 1-35W
Receptor R6 - Trailer home south of CR I, west of the 1-35W southbound on-ramp.
The results of the analysis are shown in the following table.
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TABLE 5-8
PREDICTED CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) CONCENTRATIONS (PPM)
RECEPTOR I.HOUR AVERAGE 8-HOUR AVERAGE
Rl 3.8 2.8
R2 4.9 3.6
R3 5.0 3.6
R4 4.0 2.9
R5 3.6 2.7
R6 2.8 2.1
STANDARD 30.0 9.0
As shown in the table, all of the predicted CO concentrations are well below the state air quality
standards. Therefore, development of the proposed project will have no significant impact on air
quality.
Alternative Proiect - Business Park
The business park uses may generate emissions from heating equipment or industrial processes,
Emissions from these potential sources are dependant on the fuel used, type of equipment and type
of industrial process. If facilities are proposed that require air emissions permits, permits will be
obtained prior to construction,
Traffic air quality impacts of the alternative business park development would be similar to the
proposed project.
5.2.3 Mitigation Measures
No-Build Alternative
The no build alternative will have no significant impact on air quality.
Proposed Proiect - Mixed-Use Development
The proposed project will have no significant impact on air quality so no mitigation is required.
Alternative Project - Business Park
The alternative project will have no significant impact on air quality so no mitigation is required.
5.3 NOISE
5.3.1 Affected Environment
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Noise is generally defined simply as unwanted sound. Various factors affect how sound is perceived .
by the human ear. These factors include the loudness of the sound, the frequency, the exposure
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period and the location of the receiver relative to the sound source, Because of the wide range of
energy in sounds, sound is typical]y measured using a logarithmic unit called the decibel (dB). Noise
levels are typical]y reported in "A" weighted decibels (dBA) to reflect the fact that the human ear
is not as sensitive to low frequency sounds as it is to middle and high frequencies.
The existing environment in the vicinity of the proposed project is subject to noise from motor
vehicles, Traffic noise leve]s vary significantly over time. Traffic noise is dependent on traffic
volumes, vehicle speeds and vehicle types. The primary source of vehicular noise in the study area
is traffic on I-35W because of the large volume of traffic on the freeway, the speed of the traffic and
the high percentage of trucks in the traffic mix. Some general characteristics of traffic noise are as
follows:
· Traffic noise increases with increasing traffic volumes, A doubling of the traffic volumes
results in a 3 dBA increase in noise levels at adjacent receivers.
· Traffic noise decreases with increasing distance from the road, Traffic noise levels
diminish by 3 to 4.5 dBA per doubling of distance from. the road depending on the
intervening terrain.
· While the human ear can detect changes in noise ]evels of I dB for a constant noise
source, for a time-varying noise source such as traffic, the smallest noticeable change is
3 dBA. A ]0 dBA change in noise levels is perceived to be a doubling of the loudness
of the sound.
· Trucks tend to generate substantially more noise than cars. A heavy truck traveling at
45 MPH will generate a noise level of approximately 84 dBA at 50 feet. A car traveling
at 45 MPH will generate a noise level of approximately 69 dBA at 50 feet.
· Traffic generates more noise at higher speeds. A car traveling 30 MPH generates
approximately 62 dBA at 50 feet. A car traveling 50 MPH generates approximately 7]
dBA at 50 feet.
The State of Minnesota has established noise standards for various land use types. The standards
are in terms of the LI 0 noise ]evel which is the sound level exceeded ten percent of the time or six
minutes out of an hour and the L50 noise leve] which is the sound level exceeded fifty percent of the
time or thirty minutes out of an hour. The state noise standards are shown in the following table.
TABLE 5-9
STATE NOISE STANDARDS
DA YTIME NIGHTTIME
(7:00 AM TO 10:00 PM) (10:00 PM TO 7:00 AM)
LAND USE L10 L50 L10 L50
Residential 65 60 55 50
Commercial 70 65 70 65
Industrial 80 75 80 75
Source: Minnesota Rules Parts 7030.0010 to 7030.0080
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The Minnesota Statutes (116.07, subd. 2a) specifically exempt from the noise standards .....an
existing or newly constructed segment of a road, street or highway under the jurisdiction of a road
authority of a town, statutory or home rule charter city, or county, except for roadways for which full
control of access has been acquired." The MPCA interprets this to mean that most local roadways
are no longer required to comply with state noise standards. Therefore, traffic on CR J, CR I and
proposed Rice Creek Parkway is exempt from state noise standards.
5.3.2 Environmental Impacts
No-Build Alternative
The no-build alternative will generate no additional traffic in the area and will therefore have no
impact on noise levels.
Proposed Proiect - Mixed-Use Develoument
The proposed project will generate additional traffic which will add to existing traffic noise levels
along streets serving the project. Noise sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the project that could
be affected by traffic noise include the following:
. Residential development on the north side of CR I east of Rice Creek, Residences are
generally approximately 100 feet from the roadway centerline.
. Residential development on the north side of CR I west of I-35W. Residences are
generally approximately 100 feet from the roadway centerline.
. Residential development proposed as part of the Rice Creek development project. The
nearest residential units are approximately 650 feet from the centerline of I-35W.
Noise impacts in these areas have been estimated based on procedures given in the FHW A Highway
Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHW A-RD-77-108). The noise level predictions are for the PM
peak traffic hour and are based on the traffic volumes documented in the traffic section. The noise
levels are predicted at the distance noted above and assume no intervening structures or barriers.
TABLE 5-10
PREDICTED TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS
RECEIVER LOCATION LIO NOISE LEVELS (dBAl
Without Proiect With Proiect
Residential East of Rice Creek 60 61
Residential West ofI-35W 61 63
Project Residential 62 62
Source: BRW, Inc.
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All of the predicted noise levels are below the state daytime residential noise standards. The project
generated traffic adds a maximum of 2 dBA to traffic noise levels along CR J, The residential
development proposed as part of the proposed project will experience approximately 62 dBA outside
of those units closest to I-35W. When intervening buildings are constructed, traffic noise levels in
the residential area will be reduced.
Based on this analysis, the proposed project will not have significant noise impacts.
Alternative'Proiect - Business Park
The alternative business park development would have similar noise impacts to the proposed project.
The alternative development would not include residential uses on the site.
5.3.3 Mitigation Measures
No.Build Alternative
The no-build alternative would require no mitigation.
Proposed Proiect - Mixed-Use Development
The proposed project is not expected to have a significant noise impact so no noise mitigation is
proposed.
Alternative Proiect - Business Park
The alternative project is not expected to have a significant noise impact so no noise mitigation is
proposed.
WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park
Draft EIS
December 10. 1998
Page 83
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PUBLIC NOTICE
The proposed Bethel Park project
is scheduled for
discussion
on
.
Monday, February 8, 1999
at 7:30 p.m.
Please call the City Administrator for additional information.
Thank you.
· Y7>skQ \ b?-.{'1~
, .-
Focus News- Thurs_ January 21, 1999-3
Arden Hills Council to study
.Ietic proposal Monday
By Paul Rignell
Focus News
Arden Hills
More and more snow seems to pile upon the landscape at
Bethel College with each Janu'll}' day, but Monday night -
after recommendation by the dty's Park and Recreation
"Comm( . ity Council will be asked to
mertim