Lake Elmo planning commission recommends approval of Inwood townhome project with conditions

The Lake Elmo Planning Commission on May 12 recommended that the City Council approve a preliminary plat, planned unit development (PUD) and comprehensive plan amendment for the Inwood townhome and apartment project, a nearly 20-acre development proposed by MI Homes with an associated entity referenced in the record as Rachel Development.

Planning staff presented revised plans that the developer submitted after the application was tabled on April 14. The project covers four parcels totaling roughly 20 acres, is proposed under high-density residential zoning with a maximum of 15 units per acre, and includes attached townhomes and an apartment building. Staff said the developer reduced the number of requested PUD flexibilities as a result of the redesign and is now recommending approval with conditions.

Nathan, city planning staff, told commissioners that the revised plan adds a 28-foot-wide private street through the townhome area to improve connectivity, removes problematic stub drives, increases tree spacing in the principal boulevard, and keeps the development consistent with several PUD criteria. "Staff are comfortable at this point recommending approval of the project," Nathan said, while noting remaining conditions related to parking layout, sidewalk connectivity and final siding materials.

Why it matters: the commission's recommendation advances the project toward a City Council decision and narrows the outstanding technical issues staff expect the developer to address before council review. The project represents a substantial change in land use intensity for the site and raises questions about traffic, pedestrian safety, tree preservation and building materials that…