What were the dates when public meetings or forums were held discussing this development?

Last updated 12/17/25

The City of Pine Island began communication with Ryan Companies in late 2023 as they were analyzing a specific area of land within Pine Island Township, but adjacent to the City of Pine Island, for development. The potential development nicknamed “Project Skyway” began discussion in mid 2024. In anticipation of potential development, the City coordinated with Pine Island Township to evaluate the feasibility of annexing the property and designate the appropriate Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for the environmental study.

In November 2024, the City of Pine Island approached Pine Island Township during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting to start discussions regarding an orderly annexation agreement between the City and Township.

In January 2025, the City of Pine Island attended the Pine Island Township’s regular monthly meeting to finalize details of the orderly annexation agreement.

In February 2025, the City of Pine Island and Pine Island Township each held public hearings during their regular monthly meetings and jointly approved an orderly annexation agreement which included 482 acres for a potential large-scale development. Both entities also entered into a joint powers agreement to have the City of Pine Island serve as the RGU.

 March 4, 2025, the City of Pine Island approved the distribution of the scoping environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) and Draft Order for review. The proposed development required mandatory environmental review for the construction of buildings equal to or in excess of the gross floor space thresholds outlined in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4410.4300, Subd. 14.A. The environmental study conducted was an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), which evaluated two scenarios for development: a light industrial and technology campus mixed-use (Scenario A) or a technology campus, including data centers (Scenario B).

 March 18, 2025, the scoping document was published on the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for publication in the EQB Monitor. This initiated a 30-day public comment period where the public could review and ask questions related to the environmental study. The scoping document was also sent to the various required Minnesota State Agencies for comment.

April 9, 2025, Ryan Companies and the City of Pine Island hosted an open house where the public was invited to learn more about the project and the environmental study being conducted.

May 6, 2025, the City of Pine Island accepted the review comments on the environmental scoping document and ordered the preparation of a draft AUAR.

June 3, 2025, the City of Pine Island approved the distribution of the draft AUAR to the EQB.

June 17, 2025, the draft AUAR was published by the EQB on the EQB Monitor, initiating another 30-day public comment period. The draft AUAR was sent to the various required Minnesota State Agencies for review and comment.

July 8, 2025, Ryan Companies and the City of Pine Island hosted an open house for the public to attend and ask questions about the Draft AUAR.

August 19, 2025, Pine Island City Council approved the distribution of the Final AUAR.

September 2, 2025, the Final AUAR was published by the EQB on the EQB Monitor, which initiated a 10-day objection period for Minnesota State Agencies. No agencies objected.

September 16, 2025, Pine Island City Council adopted the Final AUAR. 

October 8, 2025, Ryan Companies and the City of Pine Island hosted an open house and City Council listening session for the public to learn more about the project, environmental study, and ask additional questions.

October 27, 2025, Ryan Companies submitted preliminary development applications for phase 1 of Project Skyway. 

November 10, 2025 The Pine Island Planning & Zoning Commission held a workshop to learn more about the project and Phase 1 applications.

December 9, 2025 The Pine Island Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the Preliminary Plat application 

December 16, 2025 the Pine Island City Council approved the preliminary plat application with conditions and the preliminary development plan for the PUD. Both submissions still require future final approval.