02/12/1997 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board February 12, 1997 Page 12 Mr. Wessel stated that the northbound ramp is of particular concern at this time. Additional traffic signals are scheduled over the next five years. Mr. Gary Uhde, Century Farms Developer, stated that this request for MUSA expansion is a timing issue. The second addition needs to proceed. Five builders made a commitment last August to preview at this location. There is a market momentum that he does not want to lose. While he understands that the final decision on MUSA expansion is made by the Metropolitan Council, he needs the City to indicate approval to strengthen his request. He would not be making this request except for the timing issue. If one month is lost, the entire season could be lost. If the season is lost, those who have invested in showing models will not have lots to build them. Mr. Uhde stated that from the beginning he has understood that the traffic at the intersection of the I -35W ramps and County Road 23 has been an issue. While he understands that the City is in the process of a major Comprehensive Plan review, waiting another 12 months will not work. He has tried to find a property owner with MUSA land who would be willing to work out an exchange but has been unsuccessful. His last option is to seek this MUSA amendment. Even so, it will be 60 to 90 days before that approval. Another 30 days delay of approval by the City will cost him the season because 70 percent of homes are sold from January to the middle of May. Chair Schaps noted that the Planning Board expressed concern about the number of Tots that would be developed when the original project was started in 1994, when it was agreed to proceed in phases. Mr. Johnson asked if Mr. Uhde is requesting approval for MUSA expansion for all seven phases. Mr. Uhde answered, yes, and noted that the Metropolitan Council may scale back the request. However, he would prefer not to have to come back to the City for approval with every phase because it slows the process. At this time phase 2 will be done over a construction year and a sales year. Typically it takes 18 months to complete a development, and planning must be done a year ahead. Mr. Dunn asked if Mr. Uhde owns the property and the average home price in the development. Mr. Uhde stated that he owns all of the property. The projected price range for the homes is $135,000 to $140,000. As development moves to the west, the values of the homes will increase because the lots are larger and wooded. It will cost more to develop them, and he estimated the price range to increase up to the $160,000 range. •