Council accepts Tri Band conceptual plan for former ConAgra site, waives several Mixed‑Use Greenery standards

The Huron City Council on Aug. 12 adopted an emergency ordinance accepting a conceptual plan submitted by Tri Band Investment LLC to redevelop the former ConAgra parcel into 106 fee‑simple townhome units, private streets, a private pool and a restaurant, with a public perimeter pathway.

The plan advanced to the council after the planning commission held two public hearings, on May 21 and June 18, and recommended approval with modifications. Christine, a planning department staff member, told council the commission “made a modification granted to section 11‑27‑09, which waives the minimum lot width requirement” for the mixed‑use greenery district and waived certain glazing (window) percentage requirements, and that the commission had adopted the submitted building elevations.

Why it matters: the former ConAgra site is one of the larger redevelopment parcels inside Huron city limits. Accepting the conceptual plan clears a key procedural step so Tri Band can move toward detailed site plans, permit applications and marketing. Council approved the acceptance as an emergency ordinance so staff and the developer can proceed more quickly.

Council and staff described the package of planning conditions. The planning commission’s recommendations and staff report noted that dumpsters on the property must be enclosed; development signage, restaurant site design and signage will be considered at later reviews; pool areas must be fenced; and the commission approved an alternate landscape plan in place of a central stormwater detention pond because capping restrictions limit excavation depth. Christine said the commission preferred a landscaped green area rather than what would otherwise be a shallow, unattractive detention feature.

Bo Knez, identified at the hearing as president of Tri Band, said the development includes 106 fee‑simple townhomes, private streets, a private pool, a public perimeter pathway and a restaurant. Knez told council the developer has discussed a restaurant that could be roughly 6,000 square feet over two stories and that marketing and presales discussions are underway. “We’ve been moving at a rapid pace… the hope is to be able to get in there in the spring because that’s the selling season,” Knez said.

On code and dimension questions, planning staff said the mixed‑use greenery district sets a 75‑foot maximum building height and allows a parapet to exceed that height by up to four feet; staff said the proposed buildings will be well under that maximum. The planning commission used its authority under the mixed‑use greenery rules to grant the listed waivers.

Councilmember and planning‑commission member Martino commended the applicant and staff: “your organization has been great to work with,” he said during the hearing, noting planning staff and the developer had cooperated through multiple review rounds.

Formal action: Council passed ordinance 2025‑22, listed on the agenda as “to accept the conceptual plan prepared by Tri Band Investment LLC for development of the former ConAgra property,” and declared it an emergency to speed the next steps. The ordinance was adopted by roll call vote.

What’s next: With acceptance of the conceptual plan, Tri Band and staff will return to planning and permitting stages required by code for site design, signage, dumpster enclosures and landscape details. Staff indicated future reviews will address final site plans, restaurant plan review, fencing and any required public‑improvement specifications.

Ending: Council closed the public hearing after the vote and thanked the developer for attending. The council action advances a multi‑step local review process; specific construction timing will depend on subsequent approvals, market conditions and permit clearances.