The most pressing topic of the meeting was the public hearing and subsequent approval of the revised preliminary plat for the Ritter Meadows Second Edition. The developer, TLD LF3 Ritter LLC, proposed an increase in the number of residential units from 255 to 263, including 29 single-family lots, 99 detached townhome lots, and 135 attached townhome units. Christine Cook, a development manager for Twin Cities Land Development, presented the minor changes to the originally approved plat, including the addition of four four-unit buildings on the west side of Keynote Loop and a shift in parking to the south. Cook assured the commission that the updated designs conformed to the RM1 medium-density zoning district’s area and density requirements.

A visual aid was used during Cook’s presentation to illustrate the location of the proposed townhome units. The site, located north of 205th Street and west of I-35, was deemed sufficient for the additional townhome units. The revised landscape plan included plantings along Keynote Loop to provide a buffer, even though a deeper buffer requirement was not mandated.

Miss Jensen confirmed that the item would proceed to the city council on September 16th. Following a motion to recommend approval of the revised preliminary plat, all commissioners present voted in favor.

The meeting then transitioned to another significant topic: the rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment for the Lord of Life Church property. The application, submitted by Frisbee Properties LLC on behalf of the church, sought to change the property designation from public/quasi-public to low-medium density residential and to rezone from RS2 single-family residential to RST2 single and two-family residential district. This change aimed to facilitate the development of 24 residential twin homes and one recreational clubhouse.

Jamie Thompson, representing the church, highlighted that a previously protected watercourse had been released, allowing for additional land use. Matt Frisbee, the developer, emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with local residents while executing the project. The proposal included the development of approximately 5.7 acres in the southern portion of the 12-acre site, situated south of County Road 46 and east of Dot Lane. The proposed buildings would be primarily slab-on-grade, offering a one-story appearance with some units potentially having partial second stories. The development aims to provide fully accessible three to four-bedroom units.

An important aspect of the design is the integration of outdoor amenities, as the original plan for a clubhouse has been replaced with open pavilions, gardens, pickleball courts, and a dog area. The site is buffered by a retention pond along the southern border, and the church lies adjacent to the west, with multifamily housing to the east. Despite concerns about potential visual impacts on nearby single-family homes, it was noted that there is a separation of approximately 140 to 185 feet between the proposed buildings and the property lines of these homes.

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is planned to manage the grounds and surrounding areas. The necessity for a variance for the proposed cul-de-sac length, which exceeds the city’s maximum length of 600 feet, was also discussed. The extended cul-de-sac is intended to maximize the development potential while maintaining sufficient emergency access.

The commission facilitated a public hearing on the matter, with limited public attendance. Approximately 20 community members had attended a prior neighborhood meeting, discussing ownership versus rental options, anticipated property values, and design uniformity. The units are expected to be valued around $500,000, with sizes ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 square feet.

Debate among the commissioners underscored the need for varied housing options in Lakeville, with several expressing support for the project. Concerns were raised about the lack of basements in the slab-on-grade design, particularly for inclement weather safety. Suggestions for enhancing safety features were made, although these measures are not mandated by city ordinance.