Wildflower Meadows PUD returned to staff after council flags lot size and park concerns

The River Falls City Council on Oct. 28 tabled the Wildflower Meadows general development plan after council members raised concerns about proposed 50-foot lot frontages, parking and a small internal park.

Emily Shively, assistant director of community development, presented the Wildflower Meadows proposal for a 25-acre site north of Powell Avenue that would create 61 single‑family lots and 32 twin‑home lots (93 units). Shively said the plan includes sidewalks on both sides of new streets, stormwater and out lots to be dedicated to the city, and proposed public park dedications and enhanced Powell Avenue crossings.

Several council members questioned the number of 50‑foot lots, citing experience with parking and street congestion in other neighborhoods. Council members and the park board had expressed concerns in prior reviews about the size of the proposed internal park. Paul DeBohm, representing developer JPB Land/JP Brooks Builders, said the developer had considered eliminating a lot to enlarge the park but noted that reducing lots changes project yield and financial feasibility.

Council member (speaker 14) moved to table the GDP and asked staff to work with the developer on park size, lot widths and the planning commission’s concerns; council agreed and the item will return to a future agenda. Staff said the item could be revisited within weeks (likely a few weeks to a month) after the developer and staff produce revised plans and required engineering.

Next steps: Staff will work with the developer on possible modifications (for example, enlarging Lots 8 and 9 by removing Lot 10 to double the park footprint) and will return the GDP to council after notice and any plan commission review.