Lonsdale City Council Divided Over Harvest Pond Development Proposal
- Meeting Overview:
The Lonsdale City Council held a special meeting to discuss the proposed Harvest Pond development, which would include a mix of single-family homes and a multifamily apartment building. The proposal faced a divided vote, ultimately resulting in a rejection of the preliminary approval for the project, as council members were split on the issue.
The most contentious aspect of the meeting was the consideration of the land use application for the Harvest Pond fourth edition, a plan which includes the development of nine single-family lots and a three-story apartment building with 58 rental units. The council was split in its decision, with two members voting to approve the application and two opposing it. The opposition cited community feedback against the project, noting that residents were originally told the zoning would not allow such a development. Concerns were raised about the impact on the neighborhood and the perceived lack of transparency in the process.
Supporters of the development argued that the project would address a gap in the local housing market, providing more affordable housing options and contributing positively to the city’s tax base. They emphasized the need for diverse housing options to accommodate a growing population and workforce.
Despite the split vote and the subsequent failure of the motion to approve the land use application, the council acknowledged that the final decision would rest with the city council during an upcoming meeting. Additionally, the council discussed the detailed site plan for the Harvest Pond Apartments, which includes features such as outdoor amenities, adequate parking provisions, and aesthetic design considerations. However, this plan also failed to pass due to the tied vote.
Tom Berg
City Council Officials:
Brian Wermerskirchen (Councilmember), Scott Pelava (Councilmember), Kari Miller (Councilmember), James Vosejpka (Councilmember)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
11/25/2025
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Recording Published:
11/25/2025
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Duration:
22 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Rice County
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Towns:
Lonsdale
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