Dodge County Housing Trust Fund previews 'First Homes' concept in Kasson; state grant decision expected this fall

Planning staff briefed the Kasson City planning commission on a conceptual "First Homes" project on a small parcel in the Veil subdivision that the Dodge County Housing Trust Fund has purchased for a compact ownership project.

Ian, a planning staff member, said the parcel is under an acre and sits near an existing apartment complex and park; the schematic shown to the commission would use a PUD layer to allow higher density and an additional trail connection. "Two of the units being intended for disabled veterans, two for lower-income families and then the other units would be market rate," Ian said, describing the proposed unit mix. He added the builder/constructor would be First Homes out of Rochester and that the trust fund has submitted a grant application to the Minnesota Housing Department at the end of June with an expected notice of award around late October.

Ian also explained the project anticipates a land-trust style ownership: the units would be parcelized and sold to first-time homeowners while the land itself would remain owned by the Dodge County Housing Trust Fund to help reduce purchase prices. He said the plan would be an association-maintained development with private snow removal and lawn care.

Commissioners discussed PUD setbacks, a nearby railroad easement and design adjustments; staff noted the layout stays out of the railroad easement but that final dimensions may be refined depending on whether state funding is awarded. Ian told the commission the project will return in the fall for further approvals if grant funding is secured; if funding is not awarded, the project may not move forward.