Council moving ahead on housing development

The Minneota City Council continues to move forward on a potential home development along Monroe Street (County Road 10) near the current burn site.

The council has adopted a two-area development site, each with its own cul-de-sac. Mayor John Rolbiecki Monday indicated there are developers interested in the development.

However, one potential homeowner indicated he wanted a property but didn’t want anything but single home owners in that area.

On the other hand, a developer wants to build twin-houses or duplexes in the form of ramblers with garages.

Originally, the council intended to develop only one of the cul-de-sacs as they try to fill the lots that surround that cul-de-sac.

But Monday Mayor Rolbiecki indicated he would talk with potential developers and land owners to see if they can each locate in around the second cul-de-sac — indicating the council would have to develop both at the same time.

“I would make a motion to move forward with potential changes to the project, which would create two cul-de-sacs and the potential for a third cul-de-sac.

Also, we’d add a sidewalk,” said Councilman Jerry Teigland. He added, “It would mean stubbing out the water and sewer to Monroe Street,” so we could move ahead with this plan,” he added.

“The people who want to build the twin homes, the EDA, and potential home owners want this plan,” said Mayor Rolbiecki.

Originally, other plans were also considered but the council liked the idea of the twin cul-de-sac potential.

But the mayor made it clear, while there has been talk of developments, “We have not seen anyone open a checkbook yet,” said the mayor. “It will cost $398,000 for the first cul-de-sac,” said Mayor Rolbiecki.

“We’re going to bond for it,” said City Administrator Shirley Teigland.

“We could consider a tax abatement,” she said.

The second cul-de-sac would cost $250,000. Teigland indicated an abatement could be requested from Lyon County and the Minneota School District.

“We probably wouldn’t get the county abatement,” Teigland said.

When asked about money from outside sources Teigland said, “There is no grant money for housing development on bare land.”

Once the residential area is developed, the council is looking at moving the burn site that would be next to the housing. But costs of moving it would range in the $250,000 range.

They will consider moving the burn site in the future. They also talked about whether or not they would have to move the dumping area next to the burn site.

They decided not to make a move until they get site development.

“We still need to nail down costs on that. Right now we have a big estimate,” Councilman Teigland said.

“It’s all site preparation,” said Councilman Teigland.