The Fonwood development, spanning approximately 20 acres, includes the England and Friends parcels located on the southwestern border of Chaska, near the city of Carver. The project proposes 53 single-family lots, expanding from an initial 49 due to the inclusion of the Friends parcel. This site is bounded by County Road 61 to the north and Highway 212 to the northwest, positioning it strategically for residential growth. The planned density aligns with Chaska’s comprehensive plan, adhering to the city’s guidelines of two to five dwelling units per acre.

A notable feature of the development is the inclusion of a Tot Lot, a new addition prompted by recommendations from both the Planning Commission and City Council. This amenity, maintained by the homeowners association, addresses the lack of nearby public parks, as the closest are over half a mile away. In response to community input, the developer has also incorporated pedestrian-friendly designs, featuring sidewalks on both sides of the streets to ensure connectivity to the planned amenities.

The development’s design aims to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, featuring mostly two-story homes ranging from 2,400 to over 3,000 square feet. The homes are designed to harmonize with existing structures on the south side of Spring Creek Drive. Despite exploring the possibility of introducing varied housing products, the developers opted for a uniform style, citing the defined developmental boundaries of the area.

Discussions also addressed the intersection of Chaska Boulevard and Mount Hope Road, especially regarding the High Point Vistas development. The interim solution involves a two-way stop with dedicated left turn lanes, while the ultimate plan is a single-lane roundabout to accommodate future growth. This phased approach aims to balance immediate traffic needs with long-term infrastructure planning.

Landscaping and tree preservation were topics, with a plan to remove 52 of the 62 surveyed trees on the site, while preserving significant oak trees and a memorial tree honoring a construction worker. The planning commission emphasized the importance of preserving natural features while providing adequate screening from adjacent roadways like Chaska Boulevard and Highway 212.

The decision also highlights the commission’s stance on ensuring developments meet the needs of both new residents and the existing community.

In parallel discussions, the commission examined a concept plan by Quadriga Ventures for a new development on Bavaria Road. This plan proposes a 10-lot subdivision on a six-acre section of a larger 30-acre property, part of the Shabal Master Development Plan. The proposal has sparked debate among local homeowners, particularly regarding access points, lot sizes, and alignment with the existing Too Curve neighborhood.

Community concerns about road access and neighborhood integration have been prominent, with the Too Villas Homeowners Association playing a role in shaping the proposal. The initial mirrored design faced resistance, leading to a revised plan with a new cul-de-sac to address HOA feedback. The commission and city staff are working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the development respects the character of the Shabal area, while also adhering to city planning standards.

The commission acknowledged these views and emphasized the importance of balancing community input with development needs.

As the meeting concluded, the commission recommended city council approve Quadriga’s concept plan, subject to specified conditions.