Falcon Heights advisory committee hears developer selection for Les Bolstad site, reviews stormwater and 2050 housing targets

The Falcon Heights Community Advisory Committee on June 17 received an update on plans to redevelop the Les Bolstad Golf Course and was told the University of Minnesota had selected Rachel Development as the site’s master developer.

The session at City Hall included a walking tour of the property and a presentation on stormwater management approaches observed at the Highland Bridge development, followed by an overview of Metropolitan Council 2050 Comprehensive Plan requirements and a city briefing on developer selection and next steps.

City Administrator Jack Linehan said the University moved up its developer announcement and selected Rachel Development; he added the developer has placed earnest money, can parcel the property and would need to increase those deposits to extend approval timeframes. Linehan said the University completed a Phase I site assessment and a limited Phase II assessment and that Braun Intertec will undertake the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the City.

Metropolitan Council Representative Merritt Clapp-Smith told the committee Falcon Heights is classified as an “urban edge” community for the 2050 plan, which is due in 2028. She said the City’s average-density target for the plan is about 14 units per acre and that the Metropolitan Council’s affordable-housing goal for Falcon Heights is 569 units; she clarified that meeting the goal requires guiding land at sufficient densities (she said parcels at roughly 10 units per acre or higher would likely count toward the target) rather than mandating that developers build that exact number of affordable units.

Committee members asked questions about stormwater management, district geothermal systems, incentives to encourage developer coordination with the City, and how multiple watershed districts would be coordinated. Committee Member Adam Keester suggested the City prioritize features such as stormwater systems, geothermal, a central development spine, tree groves and trails. Committee Member Emma Bollig asked whether the City would have any control if Rachel Development parcels and sells lots; Linehan said private sales would not be subject to City approval beyond standard land-use processes.

Linehan also described soil-testing work: the University completed a Phase I site assessment and a limited Phase II site assessment; Braun Intertec, the consultant identified to lead the AUAR process, will handle the more comprehensive environmental review the City requires.

Separately, Linehan updated the committee on Fairway Commons, a planned 110-unit affordable senior housing building adjacent to the existing Amber Union development, and on Community Park improvements including a picnic shelter, restrooms, a splash pad and a playground. The committee adjourned by consent at 8:18 p.m.; its next meeting is scheduled for July 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Falcon Heights City Hall.