Shakopee Planning Commission Meeting – July 10, 2025: Elliana Estates Rezoning and Plat Approved
Shakopee Planning Commission Regular Meeting – July 10, 2025
At its regular meeting on July 10, 2025, the Shakopee Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously approved a zoning map amendment (from Agricultural Preservation to Urban Residential R1B) and the preliminary/final plat for the Elliana Estates subdivision. The 14-acre project at Connie Road 83 west of Mystic Lake Drive will create 31 single-family lots and two outlots, including a stormwater basin and wetland dedication to the city. The meeting also covered routine agenda approvals and a brief discussion of an upcoming meeting schedule change.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (June 5, 2025): Approved unanimously without discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Valley Crest Resident (adjacent to outlot A): Expressed support for the project but requested that trees be preserved or planted along the north side of outlot A (near the trail). Also asked that construction access be routed via Mystic Lake Boulevard rather than through the existing Valley Crest neighborhood during initial clearing. Staff noted that county requirements will close the Mystic Lake access once utility work begins.
Discussion Items
- Staff Presentation (Mr. Kersky): Reviewed the proposal: rezoning from AG to R1B, 31 lots on ~14 acres (minimum density of 3 units/acre met). Utilities available. Two cul-de-sacs with Avon Lane connection; access from Mystic Lake Boulevard to be removed per county. Sidewalks and trail connections planned. Tree preservation: 590 inventoried trees (6,300 caliper inches), 45% excluded (ash, invasive, damaged species); remaining trees require replacement of ~600–700 inches. Landscape plan includes buffers and street trees; some trees may be moved to the adjacent Valley Crest park due to storm basin constraints.
- Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Robbins focused on tree replacement formula and preservation. Applicant (Rick Osberg, James R. Hill Engineering) noted the challenge of meeting density while preserving trees. Builder Bill Ryan (Eli Inc./11010 Homes) stated homes would be priced $700,000–$950,000, similar to Whispering Woods product line. Construction timeline: permits in 2025, model home for spring 2026 parade, occupancy late summer/fall 2026; about 6 workers on site daily. Commissioner Randle asked about density; staff confirmed the design preserves more trees by removing one lot and still meets the minimum 3 units/acre. A neighborhood meeting drew two families, both favorable.
Key Outcomes
- Motion 1 – Zoning Map Amendment: Moved by Commissioner Robbins, seconded by Commissioner Ranawell. Vote: all ayes. Unanimously recommended City Council approval of Ordinance O2025-018, rezoning the property from AG to R1B.
- Motion 2 – Preliminary and Final Plat: Moved by Commissioner Sapovado, seconded by Commissioner Ranawell. Vote: all ayes. Unanimously recommended City Council approval of Resolution R2025-075 for Elliana Estates plat.
- Other Business: Commissioners agreed to hold the next meeting on August 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM to accommodate a short agenda item and a planned tour. Meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Well I will call to order the uh shopping planning commission uh at 704. Uh we'll start with item one on the agenda roll call. Commissioner Foresight. Here. Commissioner Weiler. Commissioner Sandu. Commissioner Reading. Commissioner Ranawell. Yep. Commissioner Sapovado. Yep. Commissioner Robbins. Here. All right, we'll move under item two approval agenda. Are there any additions or subtractions to the agenda? All right. Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Commissioner Sapovado with a motion, second. I'll second it. Commissioner Randle with the second. Any discussion on approving the agenda? Hearing none, all in favor. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? It passes unanimously. Is there anybody here that would like to speak on something that's not on the agenda already? All right. Hearing none item four, the consent agenda. The only thing in the consent agenda is the planning commission meeting minutes from last month, June 5th. Are there any changes or additions to that, those minutes? No, sir. Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Robinson with the motion is there a second. Second. Commissioner Suppovedo with a second. Any discussion on approving the consent agenda? Hearing none, all in favor. Aye. Any opposed? Alright, that passes unanimously. Move on to item five, general business. The only thing in general business is a public hearing with a zoning map map amendment and preliminary plat for Eliana estates. We'll start by entertaining a motion to open the public hearing. I make a motion. We open the public hearing. And I'll see you. Commissioner Robbins. Commissioner Ranwell with the second.
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