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HRA directs staff to begin lot-splitting and engineering work for Farton Development
Summary
The board directed staff to start surveying and engineering to split an ~80-acre parcel (tentatively lots 11–19) adjacent to the HRA industrial park and pursue funding and crossing closures with BNSF and MnDOT, with preliminary engineering to be reviewed in June.
The board voted to direct staff to begin the process of splitting an approximately 80-acre Farton parcel into market-rate lots and to pursue associated engineering and railroad-crossing work.
A presenter outlined a plan to hire a surveyor, coordinate with the engineering firm WSN, and work with BNSF and MnDOT to close two railroad crossings and improve an existing crossing to include lights and arms. “BNSF has said that they have dollars available for the closing of the crossings,” the presenter said, and the presenter noted MnDOT indicated it would match BNSF funds.
The presenter said the plan would allow the HRA to sell lots without lot-by-lot public hearings after a single public hearing for the overall parcel, set minimum lot prices, and pursue a realtor via RFP to handle transactions. The board discussed potential lot counts (seven or eight, depending on shoreland and township standards) and that the township had asked that any structures have permanent foundations (no mobile homes).
Board members also discussed potential funding opportunities such as USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) to pay for infrastructure if a business partner is identified; the presenter suggested completing 60% engineering plans so the HRA would have credible cost estimates for grant applications.
After the presentation the board moved to direct staff to start the surveying and engineering steps; the motion carried on a voice vote. The presenter said WSN will bring a 50–60% plan to the board in June so the members can review engineering scope and preliminary budgets.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with WSN and BNSF, present 60% plans for approval at the June meeting, and begin steps to prepare the parcels for sale.
