Lake Elmo Parks Commission approves townhome development plan
The Lake Elmo Parks Commission unanimously approved a concept plan for an 82-unit townhome development in the Bridgewater Village area on June 16, allowing the developer to pay cash instead of dedicating park land. The decision reflects the site's proximity to seven existing parks and completed trail connections in the area.
The commission voted unanimously to accept the Bridgewater Village Townhome Concept Plan, which calls for residential development on 16 acres zoned for medium-density housing. Rather than requiring the developer to set aside land for parks, staff recommended accepting cash in lieu of land dedication—a payment that goes toward future park improvements.
Staff based this recommendation on several factors: the larger Bridgewater development had already installed trails along Stillwater Boulevard and Stillwater Way, fulfilling some of the area's trail requirements. Additionally, the site sits within a mile of seven parks—Tanners Ridge, Firefly, Pilot, Reed, VFW, Lions Park, and the Washington County Fairgrounds—providing residents with ample nearby recreation options. Commissioner Mike supported the recommendation, noting that "the connectivity, which is probably the biggest part of this parcel, has been done, and that's good."
In a separate matter, the commission unanimously approved accepting a donation of a large evergreen tree from Tony Menzera intended for Lions Park. However, the commission deferred installation of the tree until it can be coordinated with future Lions Park improvements. Staff cited concerns about the tree's significant watering requirements in its first year and uncertainty about permanent placement given that Lions Park is undergoing master planning. The commission wanted to ensure the donation aligns with broader park development plans rather than being planted independently.
The commission also discussed its role in upcoming major projects. Staff provided updates on a pending request for proposals for a 76-acre Lions Park master plan and a separate sports complex proposal for Central Park. Commissioners expressed interest in having greater input during the early planning stages of these projects, particularly regarding specific amenities like pickleball facilities. The commission also heard that basketball courts at Deming Trail, Tavlin, and Carriage parks are scheduled for resurfacing as part of the city's capital improvement projects.
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Votes (2)
Bridgewater Village Townhome Concept Plan Review
Dissent: None
Moved by Mike [0:07:06] · Seconded by Unknown [0:07:23]
Sophia presented the 82-unit townhome development on 16 acres, zoned Village Medium Density Residential. Staff's recommendation for cash in lieu of land was based on the fulfillment of trail requirements by the main Bridgewater development and the site's proximity to multiple existing parks. Commissioners clarified that previous cash in lieu was for the commercial component, and this discussion was specifically for the residential portion. The existing trails along Stillwater Boulevard and Stillwater Way were acknowledged as meeting some requirements.
Tony Menzera Tree Donation
Dissent: None
Moved by Peter [0:13:38] · Seconded by Mike [0:14:02]
Adam presented the donation request for a large evergreen tree at Lions Park, noting its dual purpose for park enhancement and the 'Light Up Lake Elmo' event. Key concerns included the significant watering requirements in the first year and the uncertainty of a permanent placement given the ongoing Lions Park master planning process. Commissioners discussed the financial implications of potential relocation or failure of the tree, ultimately favoring a coordinated approach with future park plans.
Notable Quotes (5)
So, staff is recommending cash in lieu again due to the existing conditions for this project.
No, I think this is uh again, based upon the staff's analysis, is the right thing to do because of the um proximity to other places, the connectivity, which is probably the biggest part of this parcel, has been done, and that's good.
The issue before us tonight is should the Parks Commission accept the donation of the evergreen tree be placed at Lions Park.
That was our consideration of that as, you know, let Tony know that possibly we you know, that we are in favor of that, but wait till we can kind of how we can incorporate that into the the planning of uh Mike's Park.
I can move to recommend that the city council accept the donation from Tony Manzella and defer installation of the evergreen tree at Lions Park until it can be coordinated with future Lions Park improvement plans.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Comprehensive Plan guiding Bridgewater Village Townhome zoning and density, identifies regional/road separated trail and community park search areas.
Parks master plan relevant to Bridgewater Village Townhome's location in a gap area, and a key document for future Lions Park planning.
The proposed plan for an 82-unit townhome development, approved for cash in lieu of land.
Document containing findings that informed the recommendation for the Bridgewater Village Townhome concept plan.
Donation request for a large evergreen tree at Lions Park.
Plan for future improvements at Lions Park, with planning tied to the completion of the 76 acres RFP.
Request for Proposal, the completion of which is a prerequisite for commencing planning for the Lions Park master plan.
Project for resurfacing basketball courts at Deming Trail, Tavlin, and Carriage parks.
Ongoing work by public works and finance to review department budgets.
Long-term capital improvement plan currently under review.
Request for Proposal for a consultant to develop ideas for a sports complex, possibly at Central Park.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Tony Menzera Tree Donation to Lions Park
Parks Department Updates and Commission Involvement in Future Planning
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