Council approves preliminary PUD for ‘Hermantown Cottages,’ amid resident traffic and setback concerns

The Hermantown City Council on April 8 approved a preliminary planned-unit development (PUD) for KTJ 360 LLC—branded in the meeting as the “Hermantown Cottages”—which would add 10 twin homes (20 units) adjacent to the existing Pillars of Hermantown at 4110 Levake Road.

Developer Eric Martin said the cottages are two-bedroom, roughly 1,400-square-foot rental units with attached two-car garages and an internal 22-foot private drive connecting Maple Grove Road and Levake Road. “We believe this supports the comprehensive plan to add new and diverse housing options,” Martin said, adding the design would tie visually to the Pillars building and allow residents access to its amenities.

City staff told the council that the developer will construct city sewer and water to serve the project and then turn utilities over to the city; stormwater would use the existing pond with an expansion to accommodate added impervious surface. Staff estimated the project would generate about 14 new AM peak trips and 19 PM peak trips (roughly 180 additional daily trips) from the 20 units.

Several neighbors urged the council to press for larger setbacks, more screening and an updated traffic study. Matt Burak, a neighbor who spoke at the meeting, said the proposed 20-foot setback from the county road left little room for buffers and noted increased daily congestion at the corner. “I don’t think 20 feet from the right-of-way is enough,” he said. Other speakers described frequent near-miss incidents entering driveways and asked the city to require stronger screening and setback standards.

Councilors discussed making the final PUD require clearer public-access protocols for amenities (for example, the developer’s proposed pickleball courts) and to refine façade and screening requirements at the final PUD and planning-and-zoning reviews. Mr. Johnson, the city staff presenter, told the council that a final PUD application would return to planning and zoning for a public hearing and then to the council for final action.

On a roll-call vote the council approved the preliminary PUD; the meeting record shows a majority in favor with the mayor voting no. The approval advances the project to a final PUD application and a subsequent planning-and-zoning public hearing.

What’s next: The developer must submit a final PUD application, the proposal will return to Planning & Zoning for a public hearing, and the council will take a final vote at a later meeting.