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Developer outlines 275‑unit 'The Grove' PUD and preservation commitments ahead of rezoning hearing
Summary
Ed Rectamal of Old Toth Homes presented a rezoning overview for 'The Grove,' a proposed 168‑acre development with 275 single‑family units, preservation of 38+ acres of wetland, road and utility commitments and enhanced architectural standards; the rezoning ordinance is scheduled for Dec. 29.
The St John Town Council on Dec. 10 heard a presentation from Ed Rectamal of Old Toth Homes on a proposed planned unit development called "The Grove," a request to rezone about 168 acres from open space to a PUD. Rectamal said the ordinance would be brought before the council in late December for formal consideration.
Rectamal described the proposal in detail: "We are proposing to put 275 single family housing units on the property," located north of 101st at the terminus of Park Place, immediately north of the Gates of St John. He said the project would preserve "38 plus, acres of wetland" and a natural drainage line associated with Beaver Dam Ditch that will form a buffer to adjacent subdivisions.
Why this matters: the rezoning would convert open space to residential development and change local traffic, stormwater and utility demands for nearby neighborhoods. The developer's commitments — if adopted in the zoning ordinance — would govern design, road connections, landscaping and dedications.
Details presented by the developer included: a site area of roughly 168 acres; a stated total of 275 single‑family housing units (approximately 1.6 units per acre); a housing breakdown described in the presentation as "175 single family detached homes, and then another 50, paired cottage lots over a 100 units in the Northeast corner." Rectamal also said the developer would dedicate a site for a potential future water well to the town and either construct or fund a portion of Klein Avenue to align roadways.
Architectural and open‑space commitments were described as enhanced compared with local code. Rectamal said: "All our homes will have composite siding on them, so an LP, type material. We've also enhanced the single family, homes masonry levels ... up to, 45% or more, for approximately 75% of the homes on the site." He added perimeter lots backing up to 101st would feature elevation changes, sunrooms or bump‑outs to break up rear elevations.
Council and resident questions focused on buffers, trees, traffic access and infrastructure. An unidentified speaker asked about the size of the west‑side buffer and whether faster‑growing evergreens like Arborvitae could be added; Rectamal responded: "Absolutely ... we'll put this, spruces, whether it be evergreens or Arborvitae, to provide that that lower level blocking too." The developer said a detailed landscape plan will be submitted with the primary plat.
On access and utilities, Rectamal said the main connection will align with Park Place on 101st and a secondary access will tie into Grouse Point. He told the council that water and sanitary are available on 101st and into Grouse Point, electric is available, and storm detention ponds will discharge into a Bull Run Ditch arm.
Next steps: Rectamal said the rezoning ordinance would be introduced at a future meeting (he identified late December); the council mentioned the 29th as the upcoming meeting date. The council did not take a vote on the rezoning at the Dec. 10 meeting.
The council requested the developer submit the landscape plan and primary plat materials before the rezoning ordinance is considered so members can review buffers, tree species and infrastructure plans.
