Potlatch West Baxter draft AUAR available for public review

An Alternative Urban Areawide Review, a form of environmental review to evaluate the potential environmental impacts resulting from development projects, is available for review regarding 465 acres of land owned by the Potlatch Corp. in Baxter.

The project area is on the west end of the city and is dissected by Highway 210. The AUAR defines how this area may develop over the next 20 or more and addresses the cumulative impacts of this growth on the city's infrastructure system and the environment.

The AUAR is comprised of two land-use scenarios. Each scenario has been derived from existing plans and studies completed for the city of Baxter, Crow Wing County and the Potlatch Corp. One of those scenarios is based on a land-use concept developed in late 2005 and reviewed by the Long Range Planning Commission. This scenario explores a variety of low- to high-density housing, neighborhood commercial services and industrial uses with an integrated system of passive and active open space. Scenario two is based on existing zoning.

A draft report is available for public review between June 16-July 16. After the 30-day review period is completed, the Potlatch AUAR team will respond to comments and revise the AUAR as appropriate. It is anticipated the final AUAR will be presented to the Baxter City Council for adoption in mid August or early September.

The document can be viewed at the Brainerd Public Library, Baxter City Hall or online at www.ci.baxter.mn.us. Questions or comments should be directed to Brad Scheib, project manager, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., 123 N. Third St., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401; e-mail, bscheib@hkgi.com; or by phone at (612) 252-7122.

An informal public open house to review the document and be able to ask questions of the consultants and staff will be 5-7 p.m. June 19 at Baxter City Hall.