Environmental Review

Last updated 11/14/25

Was there an environmental review for this development?

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). Some of the items studied in the AUAR include traffic impacts, noise, air quality, visual effects, review of any rare features in the area of proposed development, potential environmental hazards and water resource impacts.

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) defines the AUAR as “a hybrid of the environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) and environmental impact statement (EIS) review processes. Responsible governmental units (RGU) can use an AUAR as a planning tool to understand how different development scenarios will affect the environment of their community before the development occurs. The process is designed to look at the cumulative impacts of anticipated development scenarios within a given geographic area. The AUAR document uses a list of questions adapted from the EAW form, but provides a level of analysis of typical urban area impacts comparable to an EIS. Environmental analysis information from an AUAR can be used to inform local planning and zoning decisions.”

More information on the AUAR process can be found on the EQB’s website:

Quick Reference-Alternative Urban Areawide Review

 

Was the City served a lawsuit regarding the environmental review?

Yes, the City received a lawsuit regarding the AUAR completed the development. The City does not comment on pending litigation, however the city is in communication with legal counsel and proceeding with due diligence.