Planning commission recommends Amberly Woods PUD with pre‑grading check for nesting species

The Forest Lake Planning Commission on April 28 recommended that the City Council approve the Amberly Woods final planned unit development (PUD), a 56‑lot single‑family subdivision proposed on roughly 39 acres east of Good View Avenue, and added a condition requiring a pre‑grading review for protected species nesting.

Staff presented the final PUD as consistent with a preliminary approval granted in October 2025. Stephen, the city planner presenting the project, said the plan yields about 3.8 units per acre on a net basis under updated Metropolitan Council guidance that excludes stormwater ponding from developable acreage, preserves roughly six acres of wetlands and proposes mitigation for a minor wetland impact of about 0.15 acres through the purchase of credits. The applicant proposes approximately 20 acres of park dedication (staff noted the typical dedication requirement is about 1.5 acres), and the landscaping plan shows 231 trees in total, exceeding the four‑trees‑per‑lot code minimum in net numbers.

Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing praised aspects of the proposal but urged tighter protections and clearer mitigation. Julie Severson, who lives nearby, said she “really appreciate[s] the work you guys have put into this” but asked for guarantees that the dedicated upland forest would remain protected and that migratory bird nests would not be disturbed during construction. Jesse Leonard, an adjacent property owner, said he was concerned about runoff from new lawns and impervious surfaces and asked whether the development could increase flooding on his property. Richard Lee and other residents raised speed and cut‑through traffic concerns on Good View Avenue and asked about possible traffic calming measures.

Developers and staff told the commission that infrastructure would be built to city standards, stormwater would be managed through two pond systems and the city engineer would review grading and drainage plans to limit off‑site impacts. Ashley Doll Center, representing the applicant, said the homes would be sold as single‑family units and estimated sales would likely be around the low‑to‑mid $400,000s.

After discussion about early grading, drainage oversight and tree replacement, a commissioner moved that the planning commission recommend approval of the final PUD to the City Council with an added ninth condition directing a pre‑grading review to determine whether protected species are nesting on the site and to avoid grading in any such areas. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission instructed staff to forward the recommendation and the proposed condition to the City Council packet for its Monday, April 30 meeting.

Next steps: the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the staff report and conditions will go to the City Council for final action; if the council approves the PUD, subsequent permits (grading, utility work and building permits) will require compliance with the conditions of approval.

Ending: Residents who raised ongoing concerns were told they may present comments to the City Council during the open forum portion of the council meeting on April 30; staff also encouraged property owners to contact the city engineer or code enforcement if they observe potential drainage problems during construction.