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EDA director says Highway 52/Blaine Avenue site appears generally suitable for development
Summary
Director Jason Zemer told the Inver Grove Heights EDA on Dec. 8 that geotechnical testing indicates the Highway 52/Blaine Avenue parcels could support development but survey boundary overlaps and soil organics require further work; quick-claim deeds will go to city council Dec. 15 and detailed planning is expected in early 2026.
Director Jason Zemer updated the Inver Grove Heights Economic Development Authority on Dec. 8 about due diligence work on city-owned parcels split by Highway 52 and Blaine Avenue, saying geotechnical testing shows the site “does appear suitable for development” but several legal and environmental issues remain to be resolved.
The parcels are divided by Highway 52, with a larger group on the east side and smaller parcels on the west side that primarily serve park and stormwater functions. Zemer said the EDA authorized survey, preliminary and final plats, soil borings, geotechnical analysis and a Phase I environmental site assessment, with staff estimating roughly $68,000 to complete that work.
“Survey work was completed on time,” Zemer said. “We ran into some issues with regards to the surveys that prevented us from moving forward with the planning work because there are some overlaps and gaps between the property boundaries.” He said the city attorney is reviewing the boundary overlaps and that quick-claim deeds addressing overlaps are scheduled for the Dec. 15 city council meeting.
Zemer described soil borings and geotechnical work at 12 sites and identified differences between the parcels: the northern lot is “more conducive” to development, while the southern lot contains a large wetland complex and some organics in the soil that could require corrections. He said minimal groundwater was encountered during borings, which is favorable for future construction.
Next steps, Zemer said, are resolving the lot-line issues flagged by the survey, determining what a plat would look like for the east-side development site and deciding whether to market parcels for sale or retain parts of the property for city use such as McGarty Park or stormwater retention. He noted that if the city pursues development, zoning and land-use changes will be required and that planning is expected to continue into 2026.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; the update was presented for information and to preview staff work and upcoming city council consideration.
