By Rich Larson
The Dundas City Council took a major step forward on housing Monday night, approving the final plat and a tax abatement package for the Stone Ridge Hills Second Edition development.
City Administrator Jenelle Teppen said the action clears the way for construction to begin almost immediately on the 60-unit single-family project near Dundas Boulevard and County Road 78. Teppen described the development as the result of months of work involving city staff, planners and the developer, calling the approval an important milestone after a lengthy process.
The homes in Stone Ridge II will be market-rate units. According to Teppen the developer and builder, D.R. Horton, originally considered an income-qualified approach and had previously pursued tax-increment financing. But those plans changed, and the proposal returned to the council as a tax abatement request instead.
Teppen said the builder wants a shorter timeline for completing the neighborhood, and city leaders viewed the approved abatement as a tool to help move the project forward. The development is expected to bring much-needed new housing to the area and could have crews on site as soon as this week.
The council action comes as Dundas continues to push multiple housing projects. Teppen said annexation has been approved for two parcels near the Tower Heights and Bridgewater Heights area, with a preliminary plat for another 76 homes scheduled for review at a Planning Commission meeting at 6 p.m. April 27.
Additionally, she said, the Economic Development Authority will meet at 5:30 p.m. April 27 to consider a purchase agreement for the co-op property on North Railway, another move that could support future housing.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
