Story47 Pines Residential Development ApprovalJuly 24, 2026

Woodbury approves two major residential developments despite concerns

The Woodbury City Council unanimously approved two significant residential projects on March 11, though council members expressed reservations about one development's age restriction and how both projects align with the city's long-term planning vision.

Meeting date: Mar 11, 2026

Published Jul 24, 2026

The council voted 5-0 to approve the 47 Pines residential development at 4255 Woodlane Drive, a nine-lot project that required changing the land designation from rural estate to urban estate. City staff justified the change by noting that proximity to city water and sewer lines, along to a municipal drinking water well, made private wells undesirable. The Planning Commission had unanimously supported the project.

Council members focused their questions on pedestrian safety, particularly for students walking to Bailey Elementary School along the new roads. Council member Wilson raised concerns about the 26-foot-wide roads, noting that narrow streets near schools often become bottlenecks when parents drop off children, creating safety hazards for pedestrians.

The second project—a 150-unit multifamily development on Beenberg Drive marketed as a 55+ active adult community—proved more contentious. The council initially voted 3-2 against the comprehensive plan amendment, with council members Wilson and Morris opposing it. However, both later rescinded their votes and supported the project 5-0, though they reiterated their disappointment.

Their concerns centered on the age restriction and the project's misalignment with the Gold Line corridor's master plan. Council member Wilson stated: "I do have concerns that we did spend so much time on what we wanted this corridor to look like and it is not looking like what we had planned on." Council member Santini expressed disappointment that the age restriction would limit access to transit-oriented housing for younger residents. The developer confirmed the 55+ requirement would be a permanent deed restriction.

In other business, the City Administrator updated the council on state legislation regarding "starter homes," noting Woodbury's concerns about state mandates on housing density. The city is advocating to ensure the bill accommodates local planning needs. The council also announced upcoming community events: the Woodbury Community Expo on March 28 at M Health Fairview Sports Center and a groundbreaking for the new Public Safety Building on May 8.

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Votes (3)

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

5-0 Approved

Dissent: None

Moved by Mayor Bert [1:10:48] · Seconded by Council member Stafford [1:10:50]

The discussion centered on the proposed residential development, particularly the rationale for changing the comprehensive plan designation from rural estate to urban estate due to changed conditions (e.g., proximity to city sewer/water and a municipal drinking water well, making private wells undesirable). Council members inquired about the design of temporary and ultimate cul-de-sacs, the need for future road extension signage, and pedestrian safety for students walking to Bailey Elementary along new trails and narrow roads. The Planning Commission's unanimous approval was highlighted, and staff confirmed the project required multiple concurrent approvals due to its scope.

Consideration of Approval of the Beenberg Drive Multifamily Public Hearing (Item 7B)

5-0 Approved (Initially 3-2, changed to 5-0 after vote rescission and re-vote)

Dissent: Council member Wilson and Council member Morris initially voted no on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, citing disappointment with the corridor's development and the age restriction. They later changed their votes to 'yes' with statements articulating their continued disappointment but support for the project itself.

Moved by Mayor Bert [2:11:59] · Seconded by Council member Stafford [2:12:05]

The council debated the proposed 150-unit multifamily development, specifically its targeting as a 55+ active adult community within the Gold Line corridor. Key concerns included the permanency of the age restriction (confirmed as a deed restriction), the adequacy of proposed parking spaces given state legislative trends, and how the project aligned with the long-term vision for the Gold Line gateway corridor. Council members expressed disappointment that the corridor's development was not fully matching previous master plan discussions, particularly regarding the mix of housing demographics. The council ultimately approved the project after a notable discussion where two council members initially voted against the comprehensive plan amendment due to these concerns, then rescinded their votes to support the project while reiterating their disappointment.

City Administrator's Report

Information Only

The City Administrator provided updates on the 'starter homes bill' at the state level, noting the city's ongoing advocacy regarding concerns with preemption and mandated density. Appreciation was extended to staff and representatives for their work. Upcoming community events were announced: the Woodbury Community Expo on March 28th and the groundbreaking for the new Public Safety Building on May 8th.

Notable Quotes (9)

The applicant is requesting to modify that through a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use of the property from rural estate to urban estate. The city historically has used one of two findings of fact. either a mistake was made in the original comprehensive plan or times and conditions have changed. In this case, staff identifies that times and conditions have changed to warrant a a change in the comprehensive plan.
— Eric [1:00:23]

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

due to the close proximity to that well, it is highly advised that additional private water wells not be permitted. And again, under the existing zoning and land use, that would require private well and septic versus connection to the city sewer and water.
— Eric [1:02:47]

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

my concern was this. Um I know that when we have a lot of uh walkers from the schools, um these these roads tend to get bottlenecked up and I'm guessing this is not going to What's the width of the road? 26 feet. Yeah. Very skinny roads. And a lot of times parents have a habit of parking and having kids walk so they don't get caught in the school traffic and it creates a bottleneck for and a safety issue for pedestrians and especially these kids coming from elementary school.
— Council member Wilson [1:16:35]

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

Ordinances & Resolutions (17)

R2 single family estate districtZoning

Existing zoning for 47 Pines property.

Rural EstateLand Use Plan

Existing land use guidance for 47 Pines property.

Urban EstateLand Use Plan

Proposed land use for 47 Pines property after Comprehensive Plan Amendment.

Comprehensive Plan AmendmentPlan

Requested change to land use for both 47 Pines and Beenberg Drive projects.

Planned Unit Development (PUD)Permit

Application type for both residential projects to provide flexibility in zoning standards.

Resolution 26-23Resolution

Resolution for adopting findings of fact for the 47 Pines Conditional Use Permit.

THE WOODBURY RECORDER

Woodbury approves two major residential developments despite concerns

Other Topics from This Document

Beenberg Drive Multifamily Development Approval

State Housing Legislation (Starter Homes Bill) Update

Also from this meeting

Woodbury Council explores new rules for door-to-door solicitors

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Votes (3)

Notable Quotes (9)

Ordinances & Resolutions (17)

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