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The Victoria

GAZETTE

KREY LAKES 7TH ADDITION

BRINGING 24 NEW HOME TO VICTORIA

On May 28th Council unanimously approved a final plat for Krey Lakes 7th Addition which consists of 24 new single family lots owned by D.R. Horton. The property was originally platted in 2006 by Hartman Communities and the Pemtom Land Company.

Said Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, "This addition includes an access to Highway 5. The access to Highway 5 will be completed this year. This will mean removal of the Maple Drive access."

Holly referred to an agreement with the homeowners along Maple Drive, whose properties were annexed to the City of Victoria in 2005, she said. "Maple Drive will remain a gravel road until the residents submit a petition to have it paved."

The Planning Commission and staff recommend approval of Krey Lakes 7th Addition.

In responding to a question from council, City Engineer Cara Geheren replied, "The new sewer system going into the area can accommodate our growth through 2030, and also St. Boni and Waconia."

Staff reported that this development is located within the Waconia School District which will accommodate students from this neighborhood, but the Waconia School District has closed open enrollment for elementary students in families who live outside the District.

LAKETOWN 8TH ADDITION

BRINGING 49 NEW HOMES TO VICTORIA

On May 28th Council unanimously approved the preliminary plat, rezoning, and conditional use permit for the Laketown 8th Addition which consists of 49 single family lots immediately south of the existing Laketown neighborhood. Developer: U.S. Home Corp/Lennar.

It is an extension of the existing Laketown development, said Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, and it includes the extension of Red Oak Drive. Holly pointed out that the 8th Addition consists of two parcels; the smaller one was annexed to Victoria in 2004 and the larger one in 2011. The entire area of Laketown was masterplanned.

She also said that the property was originally slated for 86 multi-family homes but the sewer capacity, which will extend from the infrastructure at Deer Run, can only accommodate an additional 50 homes. All other development in the area will need to obtain their sewer capacity from the new sewer trunk line being constructed and installed around the west and south sides of Lake Wasserman.

A nearby property owner in Laketown spoke at the podium and informed Council that one corner of the development has a negative impact on her family's privacy and property. She said that when purchasing their property, they were told their backyard was part of a protected wetland, that it was not to be mowed or tampered with, and now it is slated to become part of a neighbor's backyard.

"They have significantly changed why we bought our place to begin with," she said. "We would like help and support to remedy this situation. We have done our due diligence from the beginning."

The three parties in the unfortunate situation -- the developer (Lennar), the city, and the resident -- are working together to come up with a solution prior to approval of the final plat.

MADELYN CREEK 3RD ADDITION

BRINGING 12 NEW TOWNHOMES TO VICTORIA

On May 28th Council unanimously approved a preliminary plat and final plat for Madelyn Creek 3rd Addition for Kerber Family Homes.

Said Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, "This is a replat of three blocks. It was originally three six-unit townhomes and they're reducing each of them to larger four units. They're also changing the product type, based on market demand. Instead of slab on grade, these will be single level homes with a basement. That's the remainder of townhome units at Madelyn Creek."

Holly said the Planning Commission unanimously approved the plats and staff is also recommending approval.

Asked Councilmember Tom Strigel, "Does this create a budget gap for the city?"

"The short answer is 'no,'" replied Holly. Despite the fewer number of townhomes, "the park dedication remains in place."

"I worry about a developer switching plans," said Councilmember Joe Pavelko.

Click here to continue Madelyn Creek.

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City Scoop Continued

June 2013