City Studies Planned Growth In South Shakopee

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

June 17, 2021

This summer, the city is conducting a Master Plan and Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) to plan for potential growth west of Mystic Lake Drive and south of Valley View Road.

The review will explore the development of approximately 440 acres of farmland in preparation for future residential development. The review will study the impact the additional houses would place on the city’s infrastructure system, including water, sewer, storm water, natural resources, roads and parks. The study is being completed by Stantec.

The purpose of the study is to provide the city with a more comprehensive plan for future development, said Director of Planning and Development Michael Kerski. The area could potentially hold more than 1,000 homes at build-out, which would have significant impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods and infrastructure.

“Our goal is to create a community instead of subdivisions and ensure development is integrated with our current systems,” Kerski said. “It’s the same process we took out in the West End, and it’s working to create a more sustainable approach to development.”

Lessons from West End, Pandemic

That’s been especially important as West End growth is happening more rapidly than anticipated, Kerski added. The city annexed 250 acres earlier this year and is currently reviewing an application for another 137 acres, at the request of the property owner.

Kerski attributes the rapid growth to pent-up demand and a lack of developable land available within city limits, especially for business park users.

Residential development in the West End has also been very strong, with D.R. Horton submitting both a fourth and fifth addition to Windermere.

With the recent pandemic, a change in lifestyle habits are driving more people to seek different amenities in their home. For example, because people are spending more time at home, developers are creating spaces to fit buyers’ needs, whether that’s more in-house office space or nearby walking trails.

“We want to create more walkable, liveable communities, and that’s why we are ensuring that new developments connect with our overall system,” Kerski said. “When it comes to planning growth, integration is key.”

Surrounding neighborhoods to the master plan AUAR will be invited to share input and feedback on proposed concepts for possible development scenarios.

The AUAR is anticipated to be available for public review on the city website this fall.

This story appeared in the Summer 2021 Hometown Messenger.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.