Commission backs subdivision of 19‑acre Dakota Valley parcel; neighbors express concern

Planning commissioners voted to recommend approval of a multi‑lot split of a 19‑acre parcel in Dakota Valley that would create up to four parcels, including one approximately 7 acres in size that lies partly in the Shoreland District. Staff noted the proposed building site for parcel #1 sits roughly 275 feet from Dakota Valley Creek and that the Shoreland District requires specific findings and a tree‑protection/vegetation condition.

Neighbors and local farmers urged caution. Doug Soper, who lives across Runaway Drive, said he bought his property for its low density and was concerned that four new houses would markedly increase traffic and change the valley’s character: “What is unfair is for somebody to come in, bust it up into 4 different parcels, and then turn around and leave and leave the mess behind,” he said. Bo Hanlon, a young farmer, argued the trend of subdividing productive parcels makes it harder for younger farmers to obtain land. Staff acknowledged those concerns and said archaeological surveys and recorded conditions (which run with the land) will be required; the commission added five conditions for parcel #1, including a requirement that forested buffers between the building site and the stream be maintained. The commission forwarded the recommendation to the county board for Aug. 11 review.