The River Falls City Council voted Nov. 11 to approve the Wildflower Meadows planned-unit development (PUD) and the developer's preliminary plat after staff revisions intended to address neighborhood concerns.

Assistant Director of Community Development Emily Shively outlined changes made after the council's Oct. 28 direction: one single-family lot was removed to enlarge the central park on Astor Avenue from 6,964 square feet to 13,214 square feet; the trail alignment in the northwest corner was shifted to provide more distance from an existing home; perimeter homes were adjusted to be 60 feet wide or larger; and the number of 50-foot minimum lot-width parcels was reduced from 22 to 17, of which only six are exactly 50 feet wide. Shively said, "The proposed development now consists of a 92 unit neighborhood with 60 single family homes and 32 twin homes."

Shively said the city engineer had determined that proposed roadways "are consistent with city engineering standards for safety and functionality" and that sidewalks and enhanced Powell Avenue crossings are included.

Residents who spoke during public comment argued the plan still did not meet neighborhood expectations. Cheryl Hoffman of the Woodridge Neighborhood Association said the developer "only removed 1 house, which shows little effort to comply in good faith" and warned that approving deviations to zoning because a "developer needs to make money" would set a harmful precedent. Tom McNamara and Eric Amundson similarly questioned how the land had been zoned R-2 while surrounding lots are effectively lower density.

Council members asked staff to confirm conformance with the comprehensive plan and whether the proposal supported the city's Vision Zero safety goals. Staff said the proposal aligns with the comprehensive plan designation for medium-density residential appropriate to the site and that the engineering review found no safety issues.

The council approved the PUD and separately approved the preliminary plat by voice votes; staff will ensure the park and trail amenities are provided in the first phase as the developer committed.

No councilmember recorded a dissenting vote in the meeting minutes.