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Council approves annexation of Paulson Road parcel for multifamily development
Summary
The River Falls City Council approved an ordinance annexing about 26.82 acres near Paulson Road for higher-density residential use; a separate rezoning request from the school district was presented at first reading.
River Falls — The River Falls City Council voted to approve an ordinance annexing roughly 26.82 acres adjacent to Paulson Road into the city to allow higher-density residential development.
The annexation ordinance (20‑25‑01) was adopted during the council’s hearing on the item after no members of the public spoke at the public hearing. A council member moved to approve the ordinance, a second was recorded, and the council approved the motion by voice vote; no opposition was recorded on the meeting transcript.
The annexation petition was submitted by Joseph Casey on behalf of the Jeanette Jensen Estate in collaboration with South Metro Centers XVI LLC. The petition and accompanying materials describe two parcel lots totaling approximately 26.82 acres near Radio Road and Paulson Road. The developer indicated plans for two to three multifamily buildings (senior and/or market-rate) on the lower portion of the property and a single-family home at the top of the hill. The proposal would change the property’s future land-use classification from UAB (medium-density residential) to HDR (high-density residential).
During the hearing the council asked if any members of the public wished to comment; the mayor closed the public hearing after no speakers came forward and reopened the council hearing for action. A council member moved approval of “ordinance 20 25 0 1 annexing 12,212 Paulson Road.” A second was recorded and the council voted in favor.
Separately, the council opened a public hearing on ordinance 20‑25‑02, a rezoning request submitted by the River Falls School District to change a property from R‑2 (medium-density residential) to a school zone to accommodate the district’s transportation center. That item was presented at first reading. Council member questions focused on timing: one council member asked whether the school district had provided a construction timeline. City staff said they did not have a specific month or date and relayed that the superintendent’s expectation was that the district was seeking approval so the project could “keep moving,” but staff said no firm completion date was included with the packet materials.
Why it matters: The annexation clears a regulatory step for a private developer to pursue higher-density residential construction adjacent to existing city roadways. The rezoning request from the school district, now at first reading, would formalize an existing transportation facility use if adopted in a later council action.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of ordinance 20‑25‑01 (annexation of property near Paulson Road): motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote; no recorded opposition in the meeting transcript. - Ordinance 20‑25‑02 (rezoning request from R‑2 to school zone for River Falls School District transportation center): presented at first reading; no final vote recorded.
What’s next: The developer may proceed with local permitting steps now that annexation is approved; the school district rezoning remains at first reading and will return for subsequent council consideration.
