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Council initiates AUAR for 678-acre North Mankato industrial development near Northport
Summary
Council adopted a final order to begin a Draft Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for about 678 acres near Northport Industrial Park; the City will facilitate but not fund the AUAR and developer names were withheld under a non-disclosure agreement.
The North Mankato City Council on Dec. 16 adopted a final order and record of decision to initiate a Draft Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for approximately 678 acres near the Northport Industrial Park.
Community Development Director Fischer told the Council the AUAR — a hybrid environmental review that combines elements of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet and an Environmental Impact Statement — will evaluate climate resilience, water resources, land use, transportation and mitigation strategies for potential industrial development. Fischer said the request for an AUAR came from a prospective developer; because of the project’s size and scope the AUAR is appropriate. He noted the City will facilitate but not pay for the AUAR, and that the majority of the property remains outside city limits although it is included in an Orderly Annexation agreement with Belgrade Township and on the City's future land-use map.
Fischer said there were two potential developers and that they had combined resources to complete the AUAR; staff has signed a non-disclosure agreement and the developers’ names were not disclosed. Fischer also said Kimley Horn prepared a scoping document published Oct. 22, 2024, and a public comment period followed. The Council adopted Res. No. 114-24 on a unanimous vote (moved by Council Member Steiner, seconded by Council Member Oachs), initiating the Draft AUAR phase with another public comment opportunity expected during the draft phase and a final AUAR anticipated by spring 2025.
The AUAR will provide an environmental review and mitigation recommendations that will inform future land-use decisions; it does not itself approve annexation or development applications.
