The council deliberated on a plan amendment proposed by a developer, Keith Marty, who aims to change the land use classification of a property located southeast of the new high school from low and medium density residential to high-density residential. The proposed development includes multiple apartment buildings, detached garages, and community amenities such as a pool and playground, resulting in a total of 144 new apartment units. This development is part of a broader effort to meet the projected housing demand in New Ulm, which a 2022 city study estimated at approximately 800 housing units. The study highlighted the need for both senior housing and general occupancy units, with current projects falling short of this target.

Council members discussed the implications of transitioning to high-density residential areas, particularly regarding the impact on existing neighborhoods and property values. One resident expressed concerns about the potential loss of cherished views and the effect on home values, describing the shift as a “grasp” from low to high density. The council considered whether the proposed development would introduce new public costs or strain existing infrastructure. However, city officials noted that utilities were adequately available in the vicinity and that the project would not require additional roadway changes.

The comprehensive plan serves as a guiding document for city growth and development, and the council emphasized the necessity of updating it to reflect changing conditions. They discussed whether the proposed amendment complied with city criteria and the appropriateness of the location for high-density residential uses. The developer presented plans, including site layouts and building designs, to illustrate how the project would integrate into the surrounding area.

A point of discussion was the geographical challenges New Ulm faces, such as flood plains and the municipal airport, which limit growth directions primarily to the northwest and southwest. The comprehensive plan for 2024 designated 87 acres for future high-density residential housing, representing 1.33% of the city’s total land area. The council acknowledged the need for flexibility in land use designations to adapt to shifting market conditions and meet the community’s housing needs.

Community members voiced concerns about traffic implications, particularly during peak times like school drop-offs and pick-ups. The proposed development is expected to add approximately 400 vehicles per day to the area, prompting suggestions for traffic management solutions such as additional stop signs. Residents emphasized the importance of understanding traffic dynamics and ensuring pedestrian safety with the influx of new residents.

The proposed residential community’s design aims to address these concerns by including walking paths instead of driveways between buildings. The plan also features a communal courtyard area with amenities like an outdoor swimming pool and playgrounds, designed to improve neighborhood appeal and safety by minimizing traffic through parking lots.

In addition to the high-density housing proposal, the meeting also addressed interim use permits for a myofascial release therapy business to operate from a residential property. The Planning Commission evaluated the application, considering neighbor concerns about potential disruptions to the area’s quiet character and traffic patterns. The applicant agreed to conditions such as limiting client parking to the rear of the property.