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Dell Rapids council accepts Spruce Glen preliminary plan; developers pledge possible green space donation
Summary
The council accepted the preliminary plan update for the Spruce Glen subdivision (phases 1100–1300), discussed floodplain constraints and emergency access, and heard the developer say Lot 1C may be donated to the city for park/green-space use.
Sheldon Jensen, Dell Rapids community development director, presented the Spruce Glen preliminary plan update covering phases 1100, 1200 and 1300 and the project’s history dating back to its 1998 approval. Jensen told the council the submitted preliminary plan includes required elements — scaled engineering plans, legal descriptions and proposed zoning — and identifies several unbuildable 'B' lots within the floodplain and floodway.
Jensen said the developer (Stockwell/Stockton Landshares) is working with FEMA on a Letter of Map Revision for portions of the western phase and that the plan includes drainage work, including three culverts tying into the golf course between holes 13 and 14. "Utility superintendent Fellinger has approved that drainage plan," Jensen reported.
Councilors questioned access and emergency access compliance with the International Fire Code; Jensen said the property has access from Seventh and Tenth Streets and that the fire chief and ambulance director approved Fifteenth Street as usable in this context. He also said Fifteenth Street is currently gravel and not required to be paved as part of the preliminary-plan approval; planning commission members recommended the plan with a 4–1 vote and suggested raising Fifteenth Street on the capital improvements plan.
Developer representatives Joe Whitlock (Stockton Landshares) and Nick Taylor (Supercell Development) addressed questions about the 'B' lots and maintenance responsibilities. Whitlock said the developer’s plan is to donate Lot 1C to the city for a playground or green space because that parcel is in the floodway and not buildable. "The plan is to donate Lot 1C so the city could use it for playground area or green space," Whitlock said.
Councilor Gary moved to accept the preliminary-plan updates; Councilor Chad seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: the preliminary-plan acceptance keeps the multi-phase subdivision moving toward final engineering and platting while highlighting floodplain constraints, emergency access and the potential for a small city green space.
What’s next: staff and developer will continue final engineering, FEMA coordination and platting steps required for later phases; the proposed donation of Lot 1C would require separate action if the city accepts it.
