Developers present large Boberg sketch plan; commissioners urge early council coordination on roads and sewer

Developers presented a high‑level sketch plan Nov. 4 for a large parcel behind highway businesses — described in the meeting as the Bowberg property — and asked for early feedback on access, sewer and phasing.

Mark Reni and Dan Bullberg said the family‑owned parcel offers opportunities for highway‑frontage business, office/warehouse and a middle area suitable for duplexes or modest apartment housing, with single‑family or patio homes possible near the golf course. They noted a large central wetland that would be avoided and said sewer access and a collector/backage road will be critical design constraints; they reported early coordination with MnDOT, Crowing County Highway and city public works staff.

Commissioners praised the concept but urged the applicants to brief city council early on infrastructure questions, including whether sewer extends from the Wendy’s area or requires new easements, and on how a collector road would connect with Highway 371. "I think it makes good sense for us to do that because your departments are going to be coming to you and saying, 'Hey, they're talking to us about this,'" one commissioner said, encouraging joint planning. Staff noted possible zoning overlay or conditional‑use pathway options to give the city greater control while allowing development.

Applicants said the first phase would likely focus on housing adjacent to the golf course, with later phases addressing highway‑frontage uses and potential office/warehouse space. Commissioners and staff discussed the need to align the plan with the backage‑road concept in the city's corridor plan and to resolve right‑of‑way and potential condemnation questions if collector‑road alignment requires property acquisition.

No formal action was requested at the meeting; the presentation served as a preliminary review and a request for feedback and coordination going forward.