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WS — Item #1 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 1 Date: November 2, 2015 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director Re: Commers Property — Lake Amelia Project Background Council members recently received inquiries regarding the interest in the development of property adjacent to Lake Amelia. Discussion of this agenda item was requested by Council Member Roeser and Mayor Reinert. John and Patricia Commers own approximately 45 acres of land lying east of and adjacent to Amelia Lake. Staff has met with the Commers multiple times over the past two years to discuss possible development of the property. The property is currently designated as Urban Reserve in the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the Urban Reserve area is to preserve land for post 2030 urban development. The urban reserve is intended to promote cost efficient planning by preventing premature expansion of urban services and ensuring orderly and efficient expansion of future urban services. Development is limited to 1 unit per 10 acres consistent with the Rural Zoning District. The Urban Reserve is not permanent and will be reviewed every 10 years as part of the Comprehensive Plan update. Development of the property at urban densities would require a comprehensive plan amendment. Staff has informed the Commers that a plan amendment would not likely be supported, at this time, for two basic reasons: 1. Public utilities including sanitary sewer and water are not currently available to support the development. 2. There is enough land currently guided for development, with utilities available, to meet existing housing needs within the City. Both sanitary sewer and water would need to be extended approximately 2,000 feet from White Bear Township. The extension would not benefit any additional properties. The estimated cost of the project is over $600,000 based on a preliminary study completed by White Bear Township.