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EDA hears two alignments for Headwaters Parkway extension; commissioners favor longer, future‑proof option
Summary
City staff presented two conceptual alignments for extending Headwaters Parkway to Elm Crest Avenue. Commissioners and landowners expressed support for the longer Option 2 for better long‑term connectivity despite higher near‑term cost; staff warned a submitted preliminary plat and the 120‑day review clock add timing pressure.
City staff presented conceptual plans on Monday for extending Headwaters Parkway through southwest Forest Lake to Elm Crest Avenue as part of a broader infrastructure phasing study.
Ryan, the project presenter, told the EDA the study produced two conceptual alignments and will deliver a preferred two‑dimensional layout, preliminary utility and stormwater plans and cost estimates. He said the road would be designed to meet a 40 mph design speed so the city could pursue state aid construction dollars.
The two concepts differed in footprint and wetland impacts. Ryan described Option 1 as similar to an older planned alignment from a 2006 PUD with more type‑2 wetland impacts and potential roundabouts. Option 2 is a longer collector alignment intended to serve a larger developable footprint, provide stronger connectivity for future neighborhoods and reduce some wetland impacts, though it may be more expensive and cross additional features such as JD4 Branch 3.
"Option 2, alignments, it provides a lot easier connectivity for that neighborhood to get to that collector easier," Ryan said.
Staff reported six affected landowner families; the developer of Hidden Creek submitted a preliminary plat showing Option 2 and one landowner proposed a third alignment that would split a parcel approximately one‑third/two‑thirds. Commissioners debated short‑term cost versus long‑term function: several said they preferred Option 2 for its ability to separate residential and commercial uses and to avoid later traffic shortcutting, while others noted that developer‑driven construction can take longer and be costlier in the near term.
Members also discussed funding: Ryan said historically development has paid for infrastructure but noted the city secured a prior $750,000 grant to build a roundabout and that an approved alignment and plan improves eligibility for grants and state aid. Staff warned that the preliminary plat, which must be acted on within a roughly 120‑day window, could push decisions before the study finishes.
Next steps: staff said they will continue landowner outreach, complete wetland and stormwater work, identify a preferred alignment and return with a near‑final study by spring to share with planning commission and council and to pursue grant or state aid opportunities.
