HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-065 EAW ApprovalRESOLUTION NO.2025-065
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA,
APPROVING THE FINDINGS OF FACT, RECORD OF DECISION, AND THE NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF NEED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE 800 53RD
AVE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Lincoln Avenue Communities ("Proposer") proposes to redevelop 800 53,d Ave NE in Columbia
Heights in order to construct approximately 440 new high density residential units, 60
townhomes, and 12,000 square feet of commercial space; and
The project crosses the threshold of a mandatory environmental assessment worksheet
("EAW") by having a total of more than 375 attached units per Minnesota Rules, part
4410.4300, subpart 19; and
The EAW was prepared by Louks on behalf of the Proposer, who submitted completed data
portions of the EAW to the City of Columbia Heights consistent with Minnesota Rules, part
4410.1400; and
The EAW was prepared using the form approved by the Minnesota Environmental Quality
Board (EQB) for EAWs in accordance with Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1300; and
The City of Columbia Heights submitted a copy of the EAW to all public agencies on the EAW
distribution list and published EAW availability in the EQB Monitor on June loth, 2025, in
accordance with applicable state laws, rules, and regulations; and
The EAW comment period lasted from June 10th, 2025 to July 10th, 2025, and three (3)
regulatory agencies and one (1) member of the public submitted written comments during the
comment period; and
The City of Columbia Heights acknowledges the comments received from the Mississippi
Watershed Management Organization, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Metropolitan
Council, and Michelle Brask; and
City staff reviewed the proposed record of decision and finds it to be consistent with the
evidence submitted to the city and the applicable statutes and regulations, to the best of their
knowledge, and recommends the City Council approve the findings of fact and record of
decision dated July 2025 and determine that no environmental impact statement ("EIS") is
necessary, reasonable or warranted with respect to the Project under the circumstances; and
The City Council desires to make findings of fact and a record of decision that no EIS is required
with respect to the Project ("Negative Declaration").
Now therefore be it resolved, by the City Council in the City of Columbia Heights, that the City
Council does hereby
1. Adopt and approve the findings of fact and record of decision for the 800 53rd Ave
Redevelopment environmental assessment worksheet in the form which is attached hereto and
hereby makes the findings of fact and conclusions which are contained therein; and
2. Finds and determines that, based upon the findings of fact and record of decision, no
environmental impact statement is required for the Project pursuant to the Minnesota
Environmental Policy Act or Minnesota Rules, parts 4410.0200 to 4410.6500.
ORDER OF COUNCIL
Passed this 28th day of July, 2025
Offered by: Buesgens
Seconded by: James
Roll Call: All Ayes
Attest:
Sara'lon, City Clerk/Council Secretary