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The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community <br />engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br /> <br /> <br />Request for Action <br /> <br />To <br />Planning Commission <br />Item Number <br />11.1 <br /> <br />Meeting Date <br />August 14, 2024 <br />Prepared By <br />Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant <br />City Administrator <br /> <br />Item Description <br />Concept Review: The Specht Family Farm Housing <br />Development <br />Reviewed by <br />Jeff Shelby <br />Joe Stremcha <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Provide the applicant with informal, non-binding, feedback regarding their proposed residential subdivision. <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />The applicant, Capstone Homes, is working with the owners of the Specht Farm regarding a potential <br />residential subdivision. The site is unique in its location and has supported agricultural operations for many <br />years. The project is bordered by Highway 10 to the east, the Oliver Kelley Farm to the south, the Mississippi <br />River to the west, and existing residential and commercial uses to the north. The Comprehensive Plan guides <br />the property for Mixed Residential and Highway Business Uses. The site is also adjacent to MnDOT's planned <br />interchange at Twin Lakes Road and Highway 10. <br /> <br />Development Concerns <br />The entire southern boundary of the site abuts the Oliver Kelley Farm. The property is owned by the MN <br />Historical Society (MNHS) and is on the National Register of Historic places. MNHS staff have expected <br />development of the subject site, and their primary concern is how the two properties interact along the <br />property line. City staff met with MNHS to begin these conversations and outline the development review <br />process and comment opportunities moving forward. <br /> <br />With the location along the Mississippi River, there is a significant opportunity to connect the community to <br />the river. The concept plan includes a large park below the bluff in the lower elevations and a trail system <br />through the subdivision. The commission should discuss opportunities for open space and trails, and how they <br />should be included in future plan updates. Is there an opportunity to include more access to the river via trails <br />along the bluff, potentially behind proposed homes and limiting development along the entire bluff line? <br /> <br />Staff requests the commission discuss these concerns and expand their discussion based on developer <br />feedback. The goal of the concept review process is to provide the applicant with informal feedback to guide <br />further development of their project. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />None. <br />Page 67 of 72