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Waukee Council approves Walnut Crossing plats, construction drawings and site plan for 48 affordable townhomes
Summary
The Waukee City Council voted unanimously to approve a set of plats, construction drawings and a site plan that will allow Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to build 48 townhome units on roughly 5.5 acres north of Northwest Douglas Parkway.
The Waukee City Council on Monday approved preliminary and final plats, construction drawings and a site plan to allow Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to build 48 townhome units on about 5.5 acres north of Northwest Douglas Parkway.
City staff said the Walnut Crossing development will include 48 individually owned townhome units in buildings of two to four units, with individual unit sizes ranging from about 1,600 to 2,300 square feet. Public utilities and a public street (Northwest Hopewell Court) will serve the site; stormwater will be handled by a regional basin to the west.
"The site plan itself includes 48 townhome units," said Andy, city staff member presenting the item. He told the council the city acquired the property in 2022 and installed Northwest Douglas Parkway and utilities to facilitate the affordable housing project. "This is really exciting, for us. ... The council has done a lot of work on this over the years," Andy added.
Staff said the city entered a development agreement with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity in 2024, including an option to purchase. Parkland dedication requirements were satisfied previously by the Prairie Rose development. Common areas will be owned and maintained by a homeowners association; the street will be publicly owned and maintained.
The council voted to approve four separate items tied to the project: a preliminary plat, construction drawings for public improvements, a final plat and the site plan. Each motion passed on roll call with all five council members present voting yes.
City Administrator congratulated staff and Habitat on the approvals, calling the project a significant accomplishment for the city. No public opposition or additional conditions were recorded during the council discussion.
The approvals allow Habitat to proceed with the development steps required by the city's subdivision and site-plan processes; the council did not set construction start dates or funding commitments during the meeting.
