The session commenced with the continuation of a public hearing for Riverhaven Housing LLC’s PUD, which involved properties on North Highland Avenue and Maplewood Drive. The council’s attention was drawn to a solar shading issue raised by a resident concerned that the new buildings might cast shadows on existing solar panels. However, city planner John Eisley presented a solar shading map showing that the proposed structures would not overshadow the panels at any time of the day. Eisley also detailed the landscape plan, which included 29 overstory trees to meet city zoning requirements. The trees proposed were common hackberry, autumn blaze maple, burr oak, and skyline honeylocust. The plan was considered preliminary, with a need to address invasive buckthorn present on the site.

Further scrutiny was given to the grading plan, which reflected significant elevation differences between existing twin homes and the proposed apartments, reaching up to 55 feet in some profiles. Concerns were voiced about a 6 to 7 percent slope in driveway grades, particularly in winter. However, Eisley reassured that the city engineer had deemed them acceptable. Despite a letter highlighting issues such as the scale and height of the buildings, lack of a park, and safety concerns near a mining site, the commission acknowledged the undeveloped Maplewood Park’s potential, albeit constrained by budget and a stormwater pond.

The landscaping debate continued with a council member questioning the sufficiency of the current plan, which was perceived not to exceed minimum code requirements. The developer’s representative, Don Yonke, emphasized adherence to code but faced calls for more substantial tree planting to enhance community benefits. Public input underscored worries about the lack of green space for children who would need to traverse a gravel pit to reach a nearby park. Despite these concerns, the development was recommended for approval with conditions, such as the developer covering county recording costs.

Following the Riverhaven discussion, the council examined the Project Spark Garden Dorf Tiny Homes proposal. Steven Brown, representing Project Spark, sought to transition a low-density residential area to high-density use. Public feedback flagged the project’s potential to disrupt neighborhood character, primarily dominated by single-family homes. The council was reminded of the comprehensive plan’s flexibility, despite recent zoning changes, and the absence of similar projects in New Ulm, although tiny homes exist elsewhere in the U.S.

Considerations included the site’s access to utilities, with the need for grinder pumps due to topography. The project aimed to construct 15 tiny homes and a common building. However, the proposal failed to meet several zoning requirements, including setbacks and parking provisions. A council member highlighted concerns about parking adequacy, as only one space per unit was suggested, risking street congestion. The absence of sidewalks was noted, but not mandated due to existing conditions on 13th Street.

Safety considerations were also discussed, with the steep grade differences between proposed tiny homes and existing structures requiring a retaining wall. Despite these challenges, some council members viewed the development favorably, given the mixed-use nature of the neighborhood. Rental pricing was projected at $1,000 monthly, aimed at addressing workforce housing shortages. However, the potential for short-term vacation rentals generated debate, prompting a suggestion for minimum lease durations to maintain workforce housing focus.