By Rich Larson
The Dundas City Council has given final approval to a downtown apartment project, adding to a wave of housing and commercial construction already underway across the city.
At its meeting on Monday night, the council approved the final plat, development agreement and tax increment financing agreement for the Cannon River Lofts, an apartment building planned for North Railway Street. The developer, Rebound Partners, will combine four parcels into one, and the project includes rebuilding Railway Street north to connect with the Mill Towns State Trail.
City Administrator Jenelle Teppen said the last major hurdle is a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to pay for environmental cleanup. The site of the old co-op building was once a fertilizer transfer station, she said, and neither the city nor the developer can afford the cleanup alone. Teppen said DEED is aware the application is coming and previously funded the site’s Phase II environmental analysis.
Two housing developments have already broken ground. Stone Ridge, on the east side of town off County Road 78, will add about 60 homes. Teppen said five homes are under construction, the model home is open and the first home has sold.
On the west side, the Loomis development extends Bridgewater Heights near 115th Street. Grading is complete and utilities are being installed, with crews hoping to lay asphalt before plants close for the winter.
Commercial construction is also visible along Highway 3, including a tire center and the beginnings of a new Chipotle restaurant.
Teppen said the growth reflects years of planning by the council, which designated zoning districts for specific types of development.And white the plan was not for everything to happen all at once, she said the results are with the extra work for city employees.
The city has also installed a new playground at Tower Park near the water tower. It will open once a back-ordered rope climbing structure arrives in a few weeks.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
