Council approves Amberly Woods plat, dedicates about 20 acres as natural parkland; neighbor cites trail privacy concerns

Forest Lake City Council voted to approve the Amberly Woods final planned unit development and final plat, a proposal for 56 single‑family homes on just under 40 acres that includes about 20 acres of land to be dedicated to the city as natural open space.

Abby, the staff presenter, said the development is consistent with the comprehensive plan guidance for low‑to‑medium residential density (about 3–6 units per acre) and that the final plan would preserve wetlands and exceed minimum open‑space standards. "All of that area outlined in blue is about 20 acres that will be dedicated to the city," Abby said, adding the parks commission and planning commission had viewed the plan favorably and the developer agreed to a planning‑commission recommended condition to watch for nesting birds prior to ground disturbance.

During public comment, Jesse Leonard, an adjacent property owner on Granada Avenue, said the trail shown on the plat would run close to his home and backyard and urged the city to reassess alignment or require screening. Staff responded that the trail is set back approximately five feet north of the property line and roughly 15 feet from the nearest house structure; staff noted the city needs the access shown to reach the parkland being dedicated and that future park improvements and a park management plan would be developed after land dedication.

Council approved the final plat, adopted the PUD ordinance (ordinance 769) and related resolutions (resolution 04272604 and resolution 04272605), and authorized an early grading permit (PZ1551). One council member recorded opposition in the voice vote but the motions carried.

What happens next: staff said the plat will be recorded, land dedication will be processed, and staff will continue coordination on the development agreement and park planning; the developer will obtain watershed permits before grading begins.