HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 009-26 - Resolution - CD2025-004ENV Nigon Development
RESOLUTION
Adopting a Negative Declaration for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
Environmental Assessment Worksheet No. CD2025-004ENV by Pulte Homes of
Minnesota LLC, for a proposed development located in parts of Sections 5 and 6,
Township 106N, Range 14W, and Section 32, Township 17N, Range 14W.
WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Minnesota require that an Environmental Assessment
Worksheet (EAW) be prepared for projects resulting in 250 or more unattached units
(Minnesota Rules 4410.4300 Subpart 19); and
WHEREAS, the future Nigon Development project within Rochester Township and Cascade
Township meets the criteria established for the preparation of the EAW; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rochester executed a Joint Powers of Agreement with Rochester
Township and Cascade Township, designating the City of Rochester as the Responsible
Government Unit (RGU); and
WHEREAS, an EAW was prepared for the Nigon Development project and reviewed by the
Development Review Team, and the draft document was circulated for comments to the
required state and federal agencies, as provided by law; and
WHEREAS, notice of availability of the EAW was published in the EQB Monitor on
November 18, 2025, and the thirty-day comment period expired on December 18, 2025,
and during such period two written comments were received; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council is required by law to make a finding on the adequacy of
the EAW and to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be
prepared; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council met at a regularly scheduled meeting on January 5, 2026,
and considered the EAW, the reports of City staff, and the comments received from the
parties as noted above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Rochester,
Minnesota, that the Common Council makes the following findings regarding the
environmental impact of the proposed development currently known as West Transit
Village:
1. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet and related documentation for the
Nigon Development project were prepared in compliance with the procedures of
the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Rules, parts 4410.1000
to 4410.1700. All requirements for the environmental review of the proposed
project have been met.
2. The EAW has generated information that is adequate to determine whether the
project has the potential for significant environmental effects.
3. Based on the criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1700, the project does not
have the potential for significant environmental effects.
4. The Responsible Government Unit (RGU) makes a Negative Declaration and
does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that based on the findings above, the Common Council has
determined that the development currently known as Nigon Development does not have the
potential for significant environmental effects and that preparation of an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) is not mandated in this instance; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that nothing in this determination that the EAW is adequate
should be interpreted in any way to suggest that the City approves of the proposed
development.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2026.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2026.
___________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)