River Falls holds public hearing on annexation of 7.28 acres for proposed townhomes

The River Falls Common Council opened a public hearing April 22 for the first reading of Ordinance 2025-03, a petition to annex about 7.28 acres from the Town of Troy for future medium-density residential development.

Senior planner Harley Millhorn told the council the petition, submitted by Rolling Hills Development, asks to annex one full parcel and part of two additional parcels north of Powell Avenue between Woodridge and Oak Ridge drives. "Notably, this is not a request for development, and no formal plans are part of this particular request before you tonight," Millhorn said, adding that any future development would be reviewed for conformance with city ordinances if the annexation proceeds.

The annexation area is contiguous with the city's boundary along Powell Avenue, Millhorn said, and the requested future land use classification would move the property from Urban Area Boundary medium-density residential to medium-density residential within the city. The planner said applying R-2 multiple-family residential zoning would be consistent with the comprehensive plan and surrounding residential uses. Millhorn also noted that the Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation at its April 2 meeting.

Council members did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the hearing; Millhorn told the council the next step would be a second reading and disposition at a future meeting. The public hearing was opened and closed during the session and there were no public speakers on the item.

If annexed, Millhorn said, future site plans and development proposals would be subject to review under River Falls zoning and subdivision regulations.