Council approves EAW for Voyager Heights, rezones site for animal hospital and extends EDA listing

The Brainerd City Council approved several land-use and economic-development actions on Tuesday: it declared an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) sufficient for the proposed Voyager Heights development, approved a rezoning to allow a new Brainerd Animal Hospital, and authorized a listing agreement extension with a broker for city-owned industrial property.

Planning staff said the Voyager Heights developer hired Westwood Engineering to prepare the EAW; staff recommended the EAW be declared sufficient under Minnesota Rules part 4410.1700, and the council approved a resolution stating the project "does not have the potential for significant environmental effects." Staff also said the developer is preparing a PUD amendment that reduces total units from 190 to 176; the reduction does not change the EAW sufficiency finding.

Separately, the council completed the final reading and adoption of Ordinance 1600, rezoning a parcel from Contemporary Neighborhood 2 to General Commercial to allow construction and operation of a new Brainer Animal Hospital. The council earlier approved a conditional-use permit contingent on rezoning; staff noted rezoning requires five council votes and the ordinance passed.

The council also authorized the EDA to enter a listing agreement with Camp Realy for several industrial properties, a motion that passed after two members voiced opposition to extending the current agreement but a majority said they preferred to keep a listing agent in place while negotiations continue.

Council members said the EAW provides information to guide permitting and that the rezoning and brokerage steps are necessary next steps for projects moving toward development.