City plans storm shelter upgrades amid community concerns

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a proposed amendment for a manufactured home park aimed at addressing storm shelter compliance and community concerns. The park, established in 1970, currently operates under legal nonconforming conditions regarding storm shelter space, as state regulations were implemented in 1988. The city lacks the authority to mandate expansion of storm shelter facilities without the proposed amendment, which seeks to add eight new lots to the park.

Neil Sander, the engineer of record for the application, emphasized the need to bring the park into compliance with state codes. He noted that while the city’s requirements exceed state standards, the site lacks sufficient space for additional storm shelters. To address this, the plan includes converting part of the existing clubhouse into a FEMA-compliant storm shelter, providing an additional 4,300 square feet of emergency service space.

Sander also highlighted that the project received preliminary approval from the C*** Creek watershed district, with conditions to be addressed in the final plan. A neighborhood meeting was held to foster transparency, where residents raised concerns about new driveways and maintenance issues. Sander assured attendees that the new homes would not front the central community circle, and that any necessary relocations of existing structures would be managed directly with affected residents.

Additionally, the proposal includes the implementation of two bioretention areas designed to mitigate flooding by improving stormwater management. These features will resemble gardens and are intended to reduce runoff from the property, although Sander acknowledged that most flooding issues occur outside the project area.

The meeting underscored the importance of compliance with safety regulations while addressing community feedback, as the city navigates the complexities of urban development and infrastructure improvements.