Planning commission recommends approval of rezoning for Heart River 4th subdivision after public hearing

The City of Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 12, 2025 recommended approval of REZ-007-2025, a map amendment to rezone Lots 32–36, Block 1 of the Heart River 4th Subdivision from Low‑Density Residential (R‑1) to Medium‑Density Residential (R‑2) to allow three four‑unit multifamily buildings on an approximately 1.13‑acre site.

Natalie Burczyk, City Planner, told the commission the rezoning request would require a future replat to create three roughly 16,000‑square‑foot lots and would include a development agreement to construct 2nd Avenue Southwest to the end of the applicant's property. Burczyk said staff recommends approval and that a public engagement meeting was held Oct. 29, 2025; she also reported a 77‑signature petition opposing the rezoning was delivered to staff the morning of the hearing.

During the public hearing, several nearby residents urged the commission to keep the properties R‑1. Larry Iverson, who lives at the corner of Maine and 7th SW, said he expects nearby single‑family home values would fall if an apartment complex is built and requested contingencies that would compensate homeowners for any reduction in market value or tax relief. Long‑time resident Mary Adzro, who said she collected signatures against a similar proposal in 2010, raised concerns about privacy, lighting, wildlife habitat on the currently vacant parcel and noted that two‑story apartments would directly back up to existing houses. Dylan Shock, an adjacent homeowner, said local vacancy levels and possible layoffs in major industries reduce the need for more apartments. Dan Zukke, a Quonset hut owner adjacent to the site, said north‑side access historically used by Quonset owners is not documented and warned the proposed development could sever that access; he asked whether an easement could be established.

Commissioners discussed access and easement options. Staff said a pre‑application recommendation advised property owners to negotiate ingress‑egress easements because current west‑side access traverses private property and can be cut off; staff also noted that Quonset structures would be legally nonconforming and could not be rebuilt in place if destroyed. Commissioner Johansson acknowledged neighborhood concerns but cited city records showing minimal traffic enforcement on 7th Street (seven traffic stops over roughly 18 months) and said access concerns would exist under either zoning without negotiated easements.

Commissioner Johansson moved to recommend approval of REZ‑007‑2025, finding the request consistent with the City of Dickinson comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance and in the interest of public health, safety and welfare; an unidentified commissioner seconded. The commission then voiced support and the motion carried, recommending approval. The meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally with named votes in the transcript; staff will incorporate public comments and any petitioner materials into the record as the replat and development agreement proceed.

Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council (or other appropriate legislative body) for final action and the applicant must complete the required replat and permitting processes before building permits can be issued.