Council approves final phase of Spirit of Branch and Farm development with parking changes

The Lakeville City Council unanimously approved a preliminary plat and planned-unit-development (PUD) amendment April 7 to allow seven detached townhomes in the final phase of the Spirit of Branch and Farm development, and adopted a resolution vacating existing public drainage and utility easements in the area.

Pat Rossi of Tradition Development presented the proposal to build seven “revival”-style detached townhomes in the farmstead preservation area north of 170th Street. City planning staff explained that the amendment is required because the original PUD limited uses in the farmstead preservation area and did not allow the proposed detached townhomes.

Under the proposal the homes would face Draft Horse Boulevard and be rear-loaded, with a private drive connecting to the existing east‑west Branch and Farm Drive. The developer will pave and stripe an open field currently used for event parking; staff said that will create about 50 defined spaces with an additional 26 spaces available for future use if demand requires it. Rossi told the council the developer will encourage employees to use the rear lot and that the property includes additional green space that could be striped for another 26–28 spots if parking becomes constrained during events.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing March 20 and unanimously recommended approval. There was no public comment at the city hearing. Council member John Burmel moved the resolution to approve the preliminary plat, PUD amendment and to vacate the drainage and utility easements; the motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Staff said the final plat will replace the vacated easements and that more detailed landscape and final engineering will be reviewed with the final plat submittal.