Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR)

The public comment period for the Lino Lakes Main Street Draft AUAR is open through June 26, 2025.

What is an AUAR?

An Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) is an environmental review process that evaluates the potential impacts of different development scenarios within a defined area. It helps city leaders and the public understand how land use changes could impact natural resources, infrastructure and the community before any development occurs. Unlike environmental reviews that focus on a single project, an AUAR assesses multiple development scenarios. This allows the city to evaluate how different plans might affect the area and make informed choices about future growth. 

Lino Lakes is completing an AUAR for the 962-acre Mapping NW Main area to evaluate the impacts of two possible development scenarios. The results of the AUAR will inform potential changes to development guidelines for the area.

An AUAR evaluates how different development scenarios could impact:

  • Climate Adaption and Resilience

  • Land Use 

  • Geology/Soils 

  • Water Resources 

  • Contamination/Hazardous Wastes 

  • Fish/Wildlife/Plant Communities 

  • Historic Properties 

  • Visual 

  • Air 

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

  • Noise 

  • Transportation

The review also identifies potential mitigation strategies to minimize environmental impacts. The city is responsible for implementing these strategies to reduce negative effects and ensure sustainable development.

What scenarios are being studied as part of the AUAR?

The Lino Lakes Main Street AUAR for the Mapping NW Main study area analyzes two development scenarios: 

  • Scenario 1 is the city's existing 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the area. This scenario focuses higher-density and commercial development along both sides of Main Street, with lower-density residential development to the north and south. Medium-density housing would bridge the space between the high-density areas and the low-density areas. As the city’s existing guidelines, this scenario is required to be evaluated by the AUAR. 

  • Scenario 2 is the result of feedback collected from community members. This scenario centralizes higher- and medium-density housing and commercial development near the Lino Lakes/Blaine border around the Main Street and Sunset Avenue, with low-density prioritized on the eastern side of the study area, backing up to existing Lino Lakes housing.

Both scenarios include new parks, trails, and greenway space to maintain access to natural amenities. Click here to review the scenarios in more detail.   

The Lino Lakes Main Street Draft AUAR is open for public comment

  • Public comments on the Lino Lakes Main Street Draft AUAR need to address one or more of the following in order for them to be responded to in the final AUAR:

    • The accuracy or completeness of the information provided in the draft AUAR and mitigation plan

    • Further information that may be required to secure permits for future projects

    • Suggestions for mitigation measures or procedures necessary to prevent significant environmental impacts within the area when development occurs

    • The need for the city to analyze additional development scenarios for the study area

    • Any potential impacts that warrant further analysis

    To learn more, review our How To Comment guide.

  • All submitted comments must be received or postmarked by 4:30 PM on Thursday, June 26, 2025 to be considered.

    • Mapping NW Main website: Residents can submit comments through the comment form on mappingNWmain.com/AUAR.

    • Email: Residents may email comments to mappingnwmain@linolakes.us.

    • Mailed comments may be sent to: City of Lino Lakes, ATTN: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014.

    • Comments may also be dropped off at Lino Lakes City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    To learn more, review the How To Comment guide.

  • The AUAR is not intended to determine a final development plan; it is designed to evaluate the potential impacts of the two development scenarios. The AUAR will help identify environmental considerations, inform infrastructure planning, and ensure responsible growth that aligns with community priorities and regional density requirements. 

    The public comment period for the AUAR is open until Thursday, June 26, 2025. The city will review and respond to comments received regarding draft AUAR and the AUAR’s findings will undergo review by the Environmental Board before being presented to the City Council for adoption.  

Community input remains a vital part of the Mapping Northwest Main process. Community members and stakeholders can review the Lino Lakes Main Street Draft AUAR and share their feedback through Thursday, June 26, 2025.