by Erin Johnson
Thisweek Newspapers

Although it approved of rezoning the land, the Eagan Planning Commission Tuesday recommended denial of a plan to put luxury homes on the former Diamond T Ranch property.

Toll Brothers is seeking a zoning change and planned development to build luxury housing on 37 acres that formerly housed Diamond T Ranch. Plans include 36 single-family homes and 73 townhome units in addition to a village green area.

The item was originally before the Planning Commission in May, but the developer requested a continuation after a motion was made to deny the project.

After hearing the concerns of commission members and residents, Toll Brothers revised the plan. Although the number of housing units was reduced by 10 and a controversial cul-de-sac was kept intact, many of the same issues resurfaced.

Residents of Wellington Way and surrounding neighborhoods petitioned the city to keep their cul-de-sac from being extended into a through street, and Toll Brothers modified the plan accordingly. But the Dakota County Plat Commission said it wouldnít approve of any plan that didnít include an extension of Wellington Way. Eagan police and fire officials also said they would prefer access through Wellington Way for emergencies.

Several commission members said they still had concerns about density, although Chair Carla Heyl pointed out the plan was well within low-density guidelines.

The real issue seemed to be the inclusion of townhomes. Many residents and some commission members said they prefer single-family homes.

The cost of the units would begin at around $300,000, but townhomes ìhave yet to be accepted into the community,î said Commissioner Gary Hansen.

ìI think it should be strictly single-family homes,î said Commissioner Steven Chavez. Toll Brothers representatives pointed out that upscale townhomes are increasing in popularity as people look to downsize in their later years. Eagan currently has only 94 townhome units.

Commissioner Duey Bendt, who himself lives in a townhome, agreed.

ìWe can argue about townhomes or single-family (homes) until we die. What you have to understand is the paradigm is changing when it comes to residents in Eagan,î he said.

Bendt said his main concern has always been the environmental issues on the property.

In addition to asbestos, oil drums and piles of horse manure, remains of the former Metropolitan Stadium are also buried on the property, a Dakota County official told the commission.

Toll Brothers presented an extensive plan to clean up the site with supervision from the city, county and several environmental agencies.

But the cleanup itself does not justify approving just any plan, said Commissioner Jenifer Matthees.

ìWhy should we go with a higher density to clean up something we didnít create?î she said.

Resident Eric Vevea, whose property abuts Diamond T, said the property should be cleaned up regardless of development.

ìThe cost of this cleanup should not fall on the shoulders of my future neighbors, nor should the cost be considered justification for an unacceptable plan,î he said.

The land is still owned by Carol Thomas, former Diamond T Ranch proprietor. The sale of the land to Toll Brothers is contingent upon approval of the development plan.

The plan is scheduled to go before the Eagan City Council for a final vote Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Erin Johnson is at eagan.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.

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