Planning Commission recommends rezoning, approves final plat for Trailside Village

The Hastings City Planning Commission on April 15 voted 5-0 to recommend an ordinance rezoning a 3.63-acre parcel southeast of the intersection of West Laux Drive and East 30th Street and approved the final plat for the development called Trailside Village.

City planner Amber Bafflan summarized the proposal, saying, “The applicant was requesting to rezone the 3.63 acre parcel. The property is located Southeast of 30 First Street and West Louts and is currently vacant land which slopes to the south. The proposed development is named Trailside Village and would include 28 total units of approximately 2,100 square feet each consisting of 11 duplexes and 2 triplexes.” Bafflan told the commission the project would include common green space and would require extension of public utilities into the site.

The proposed rezoning would change the parcel from R3 (multiple-family residential) to RP3 (multiple-family residential plan district) to allow smaller setbacks and greater lot coverage. Bafflan said the 2025 comprehensive plan labels the area high-density residential (intended to start at 15 dwelling units per acre) and that the Trailside Village net density would be about 14.3 dwelling units per acre, which staff said “generally conforms to the comprehensive plan.”

Shannon Landauer, speaking for the Hastings Chamber and HEDC, said the agency owns the parcel and voiced support: “As the property owner, we're very excited with this project.” Landauer said the project is intended to be an affordable model and that the developer obtained rural workforce housing funds from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to support the homes.

During the public hearing on the rezoning, there were no speakers opposing the request. Commissioner Jody Stutzman moved to recommend approval of the rezoning ordinance; Lou Culley seconded. The commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval to the City Council.

The commission then opened a separate public hearing on the final plat for Trailside Village. Bafflan said the final plat would create 28 lots along a new public street named Trailside Drive, with an alley provided for fire access and duplexes/triplexes accessing the alley. Staff recommended approval of the plat with one condition. Sean Rossi moved to recommend approval of the final plat to city council with the staff condition; Michelle Lewis seconded. The commission voted 5-0 to approve the final plat recommendation.

The commission record shows the matter will move forward to city council consideration as a recommendation from the planning commission. No formal council action was recorded at the April 15 meeting.

Trailside Village, as presented to the commission, relies on utility extensions into the site and includes dedicated green space; a playground or installed play equipment was discussed as a possibility but not promised by the developer during the hearing.

Planning staff noted compatibility of the proposal with surrounding districts to the north, east, south, and west and recommended approval of both the rezoning and the final plat with the listed conditions.