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DEi~eu~~~~n of the Is~ue~ Background: Acorn Road is a unique residential neighborhood in Roseville. Its generous lots, varied topography, and abundant mature trees and low vegetative cover provide amenities for owners, neighbors, and wildlife. Situated at the apex of highways 280, 35W, and 3b, the neighborhood is protected from the noise, pollution, and lights of the traffic by this deep and Iush vegetative growth. Because of the small number of homes, the road itself is quite narrow and winding with a substantial number of pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying the "park like" serenity of the area. The attached photos will attest to the ambiance of the area and the vegetative cover is clearly visible. In early 2006, Mr. Mueller consulted neighbors about splitting his lot in half and constructing another house to be made available to individuals hired to care far his ailing wife. The neighbors agreed, and even offered to provide an easement to a private pond to accommodate additional storm water runoff. However, after consultation with the City of Roseville staff, a project that seemed reasonable and was agreeable to the neighborhood was converted to a subdivision eomplete with a private road, cuI du sac, and four new lots. `. Shocked neighbors withdrew their support and terminated any offers of easements for storm water runoff. The withdrawal of the storm water easement is documented in the City Council Minutes of the January 8, 2007 meeting. Ms Gulden, a neighborhood resident but not a resident of Acorn Road spoke. Her remarks in the same minutes reflect her position that we are all "stewards of the land and animal habitat provided by God and the need to balance man and environmental issues." She spoke passionately about the "need to provide the natural area around Atom Road." Mr. Boryczka drainage and storm water pond management issues. He also informed the Council of a current study of this area by the University of Minnesota on air quality and impacts to the land by redevelopment and the loss of trees. A letter attesting to this ongoing study was provided to the Council by Mr. Boryczka. Issues far Review: We believe that this project needs environmental review because of its unique location and unique lot sizes. Although this is a small area, it has a large impact in providing habitat and protection for a number of species of wildlife. Residents report regular sightings of deer, turkeys, quail, fox, raccoon, wood ducks, herons, and egrets. It is also on the migratory fly way just north of downtown Minneapolis. In the spring and fall weary songbirds stop in this neighborhood to rest, feed, and strengthen themselves for their journeys. As clearly stated in the newspaper article and the attached letters from the DNR, there is a great need far just this sort of area in the northern suburbs. As a first ring suburb, we present the first stop on a daunting trip across a major metropolitan area.