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River Heights to explore 55-and-older housing option; planning commission to gather public input
Summary
The planning commission asked the council to consider a 55-and-older development option; council directed the commission to investigate the concept, develop draft language and hold public information, if warranted.
The River Heights Planning Commission asked the council on March 18 to consider exploring code language to permit 55-and-older residential developments; the council agreed the commission should study the option and solicit public input before advancing any ordinance language.
Planning Commissioner Noel said several residents had asked why the city does not provide housing that allows older residents to downsize while remaining in River Heights. Noel suggested adapting the existing RPUD framework into a 55-and-older option or drafting a targeted RPUD variant that would limit unit types and lot sizes to those commonly used in senior-oriented developments.
Commissioners and council members discussed potential siting (the Westons’ pasture across from the school was cited as one possible parcel) and the fact that the city currently has only limited parcels where such a use could be applied. Noel told the council the planning commission could host a public information meeting to gauge resident interest before drafting formal code language: "We could hold a public information meeting and see if there's ... we'd have to advertise it enough so that, you know, the whole citizens know that that's being considered and then just have a meeting to take public input to to assess whether or not we should take the effort to modify our code," Noel said.
Council members generally supported moving forward slowly: they directed the planning commission to investigate model code from other cities, prepare a draft framework (favoring single-family attached or small-lot single-family rather than townhouses), and schedule public outreach so residents could comment early in the process. If work continues, the planning commission will report back to council with recommendations and public-feedback summaries.
No formal policy change or vote was required at this meeting; council members indicated consensus for the commission to continue its analysis and outreach.
