Tradition Development’s proposal focused on nine lots, with a feature being the introduction of seven detached townhomes, termed “revival town homes,” within the farmstead preservation area. This project is significant as it represents the last developable outlot within the Spirit of Branch and Farms, a development that has seen numerous iterations over the years.

The city planning staff provided an overview, emphasizing the need for a PUD amendment due to the specific uses permitted in the farmstead area. The proposal includes guest parking spaces and sidewalks to enhance pedestrian connectivity. Notably, the staff clarified a revision in the stipulations, reducing them from 14 to 13, and addressed discrepancies regarding park dedication requirements. Following these clarifications, the staff recommended approval of the preliminary plat and PUD amendment, subject to the outlined stipulations.

During the public hearing, a commissioner inquired about the enforcement of a proposed 20-minute parking zone on Draft Horse Boulevard, questioning if the Lakeville police would ensure compliance.

In another significant item, the commission reviewed the Lord of Life Town Homes project, proposed by Frisbee Properties LLC. This development involves 24 townhome lots on a 5.74-acre site south of Lord of Life Church. The proposal includes a cul-de-sac variance and the vacation of public drainage and utility easements. The development, which features pickleball courts and other common space amenities, aligns with the RST2 zoning for single and two-family residential use. The staff recommended approval with seven conditions outlined in their report.

A public hearing for the Lord of Life Town Homes saw no public comments, but commissioners raised concerns about potential traffic impacts on Dodd Boulevard and Dodd Lane due to the new residences. Despite these concerns, the commission moved forward, closing the hearing without opposition.

Meanwhile, the commission deliberated on the Pumpkin Creek development, which proposes 26 single-family lots off 185th Street. The applicant seeks to rezone the property from RS2 to RS3 to accommodate the lower-density residential development. Public comments during the hearing expressed concerns about increased traffic, particularly on 185th Street, and potential ecological impacts on local wetlands and wildlife, including deer. These concerns were addressed through discussions on stormwater management and traffic impact analyses.

The commission engaged in discussions about the zoning differences between RS2 and RS3, emphasizing the smaller lot sizes permitted under RS3. The engineering representative confirmed compliance with stormwater runoff regulations, and the development plan includes two stormwater detention basins.

Connectivity within the Pumpkin Creek development was highlighted, with an existing stubbed street facilitating future neighborhood access and emergency services routes. The commission ultimately recommended approval of the development’s preliminary plat and zoning map amendment, subject to nine stipulations.