StoryCommission Discussion/DeliberationJune 9, 2026

Eden Prairie Planning Commission Deeply Debates Marshall Gardens Development

Commissioners engaged in an extensive discussion, scrutinizing lot width waivers, neighborhood visibility, and the impact of the proposed Marshall Gardens residential project.

Published Jun 26, 2026

The Eden Prairie Planning Commission engaged in a thorough discussion and deliberation regarding the proposed Marshall Gardens residential development at its June 8, 2026, meeting. Commissioners meticulously reviewed aspects of the project, including requested waivers for lot widths, potential impacts on neighborhood visibility, and the developer's plans for open space and buffering. The deliberation followed presentations from city staff, the development team, and public testimony, culminating in a detailed back-and-forth about the project's suitability for the 9905 Dell Road site.

A significant point of discussion centered on the developer's request for lot width waivers. Commissioner Far raised concerns about how these waivers might affect the visual impact on adjacent properties, questioning whether they truly benefited existing residents by maintaining adequate separation between homes. The commissioner specifically highlighted the balance between lot density and open space.

So, it may have been accidental, but it it appears to me as though we're offering those neighbors more visibility between homes, having more lots with standard sideyard setbacks than fewer lots with standard sideyard setbacks. Accum we're accumulating more open space by having more lots.
— Commissioner Far

City staff, represented by Jeremy, provided crucial context and guidance during the deliberation, reminding commissioners to evaluate the current proposal on its own merits rather than comparing it extensively to previous, unapproved plans for the site. This directive aimed to ensure a focused assessment of the development as presented.

So, it's important from a commission standpoint that you're not evaluating this project based on what you liked about the other project, but what is in front of you today because everything reverted back to the original rural zoning and kind of the configuration that the property is now.
— Jeremy, Staff

Addressing Design and Impact

Other Topics from This Document

Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Public Hearing: Marshall Gardens Development
Read
Staff Report
Applicant/Developer Presentation
Public Testimony
Vote on Marshall Gardens Development

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Areas of Interest (7)

Controversy over density and lot size waivers for the Marshall Gardens development, balancing developer needs with neighborhood concerns.

Debate on whether the proposed development negatively impacts property values and neighborhood character, with staff presenting data to counter concerns.

The role of undevelopable land (steep slopes, bluffs) in the project's land dedication and waiver requests.

Developer's strategy to address neighborhood concerns about privacy and the 'wall effect' through setbacks, landscaping, and lot configuration.

Examination of the comprehensive plan amendment process and how land use guidance evolves for properties.

Analysis of the affordability aspect of the housing products offered, particularly the villa-style homes, and their impact on the local market.

The conflict between dedicating land for open space preservation and the potential for development on flatter areas south of the creek.

Notable Quotes (14)

Generally in these situations, the city looks to acquire properties like this. Finding that the ability to maintain and manage these type of features is to the community's long-term benefit. And if you look at a city map, you'll see a lot of these type of properties are owned by the city. Rarely is a situation where the city pays for them. We look for the developer to give those to us to protect that kind of character that we need prairie appreciate so much.
— Jeremy

Land Dedication and Open SpaceAddressing the comment about donated land being undevelopable and the city's approach to acquiring open space.

So, it's important from a commission standpoint that you're not evaluating this project based on what you liked about the other project, but what is in front of you today because everything reverted back to the original rural zoning and kind of the configuration that the property is now.
— Jeremy

Project History and Current EvaluationProviding background on the previous Marshall Gardens project and reminding the commission to focus on the current proposal.

However, we haven't seen the evidence. The city of Scissor tells me there's really no evidence to support a new development and infill type situation negatively impacting property values.
— Jeremy

Property Values and Development Impact

People (8)

TaylorCommissioner

Seconded the motion to approve the agenda.

FarCommissioner

Motioned to approve the agenda and later asked clarifying questions about lot width and yard setbacks.

JeremyStaff

Presented the staff report for the Marshall Gardens development, explaining the project details, requested waivers, and addressing neighborhood concerns.

Steve SchweersOwner

Owner of Wooddale Builders, presented the project 'Marshall Farms', highlighted their experience in Eden Prairie, and discussed product mix and affordability.

Dan SchmidtCivil Engineer

Presented engineering aspects, storm water design, and compared the current project to the previous Marshall Gardens project regarding density and traffic.

Places Mentioned

9905 Dell RoadNorth property lineSouth property lineBluff lineCreek at the bottom (of the bluff)Turnbo (near creek)Northwest corner (of previous project)Dell RoadCanopy (road)Park to the eastNeighborhoods to the west and northNorth property line (repeated)West property lineCrestwood TerraceMinnetonkaEden PrairieJohnson Ridge (neighborhood)Purgatory Creek (neighborhood)

THE EDEN PRAIRIE RECORDER

Eden Prairie Planning Commission Deeply Debates Marshall Gardens Development

Addressing Design and Impact

Other Topics from This Document

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

Approval of Minutes

Public Hearing: Marshall Gardens Development

Staff Report

Applicant/Developer Presentation

Public Testimony

Vote on Marshall Gardens Development

Want to know when new stories arrive?

Go deeper on this topic

Areas of Interest (7)

Notable Quotes (14)

People (8)

Places Mentioned

Events & Meetings (4)

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