Planning commission continues Akron Ridge townhome rezoning and preliminary plat after resident concerns over trespass and safety

The Rosemount Planning Commission on Jan. 28 continued a rezoning and preliminary plat application for a 10-acre project called Akron Ridge after extended public comment and commissioner questions about trespassing, pedestrian access to a nearby park and potential fencing or trail solutions.

Staff planner Julia described the proposal: rezone the property from A2 agricultural to R2 low-to-medium density residential and approve a preliminary plat to develop 58 townhome units (12 buildings, 4–6 units per building) at a density of six units per acre. The site plan shows a public access road from Akron Avenue, a private road and three private drives, two stormwater ponding areas, 29 guest parking spaces, 226 proposed trees, five-foot sidewalks, and a required cash-in-lieu park dedication of $165,300. Staff told the commission the developer expects the first phase to include 30 units, the public access and main private road, both stormwater ponds and that Phase 2 would include the remaining 28 units and the private drives. Julia said the developer held a neighborhood meeting Jan. 15 that two residents attended; staff received one written comment and one phone call.

Applicants said Mi Homes will build the units for sale; Mi Homes representative Emily Becker gave a price range of roughly $385,000 to $425,000 depending on unit type and options. Applicant Jason Palmby told the commission he has discussed access with Dakota County and said “less access is best,” confirming county interest in limiting curb cuts.

Nearby homeowners voiced objections. Greg Burgacker, who identified his address as 13080 Akron Avenue, said he purchased with the expectation of larger lot sizes and said, “we were told by the city of Rosemount that there was no smaller than 2 and a half acres.” Burgacker said trespassing from park users into his wooded yard is frequent and requested a privacy fence and a no-rental clause in HOA covenants. Danielle Kent of 12870 Amiens Ave. and others expressed traffic-safety concerns on Akron Avenue and asked whether a turn lane and other improvements would be required; staff said Dakota County required a turn lane for the site access and would evaluate timing and design.

Commissioners spent much of the discussion on how to reduce trespass into the Burgackers’ property and provide safe pedestrian access to the park for future residents. Staff and the developer said a trail could be “benched” (graded) now to reserve right-of-way for a future paved trail, and that final construction of a trail would depend on development further south. Staff noted the park to the south was not required to have a fence when constructed; Parks and Recreation Director Dan Schultz will be asked to follow up with the residents on earlier discussions about fencing.

Commissioner Reid moved to continue the item to the Feb. 25 meeting to allow the developer, residents and city staff to explore solutions (a fence, trail alignment, or alternative designs) intended to mitigate trespass and provide safe park access; Commissioner Bugai seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

The continuation request asks the developer and city to return with options to mitigate trespassing, potential fence or trail plans, and coordination with Parks and Recreation and Dakota County before the commission forwards any recommendation to the City Council.