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Council directs staff to negotiate with Cascade Development on Range Trail site; vote 6–1
Summary
After discussing two proposals for the Range Trail parcel, the Verona Common Council voted 6–1 to direct staff to begin contract negotiations with Cascade Development; alder Swanson voted no.
The Verona Common Council on Nov. 24 directed staff to open contract negotiations with Cascade Development for the Range Trail parcel, following discussion comparing two proposals and their transition approaches to adjacent single‑family neighborhoods.
Attorney Kleinmeyer advised that the council may choose which developer to negotiate with but must avoid making zoning or density decisions outside of a formal application. Several council members said they preferred Cascade’s layout and its plans for transitions and commercial space; others noted fiduciary or financial considerations. Alder Lytle moved to direct staff to proceed with negotiations with Cascade, the motion was seconded by Alder Weiss, and it passed 6–1 with Alder Swanson recorded as the lone no vote.
Councilors emphasized that any transaction or offer to purchase would be contingent on municipal approvals and that the council would retain independent authority on zoning decisions. Kleinmeyer explained offers typically tie purchase price to approved density tiers and that final terms would return to council for further review, possibly including closed-session negotiations on some contractual details.
Staff will proceed to negotiate terms with Cascade Development and return any offer to purchase and related contractual terms to the council for consideration and potential approval.
