by Erin Johnson
Thisweek Newspapers

The Eagan Planning Commission Tuesday recommended approval of Steeplechase of Eagan, the proposed housing development on the former Diamond T Ranch.

Members voted 4 to 2 in favor of Toll Brothers' proposal, which would put a mix of single family homes and townhomes on the 38-acre property.

Toll Brothers made significant changes to the proposal since it was last before the Planning Commission last year. The number of overall units was reduced from 109 to 95, with 37 single family homes and 58 townhomes. The townhomes will now be condo style, clustered in groups of three and four.

All streets in the development will be public, and there is access to the undeveloped parcel to the north.

The proposal does not extend the cul-de-sac on Wellington Way to provide a second access point to the development. The only way into and out of the development would be Pilot Knob Road, which is a point of contention with the county. In February, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners said there must be a second access point.

Joey Zorn, regional manager for Toll Brothers, told the Planning Commission that he is working with the city and the county to create an acceptable solution.

Despite stiff resident opposition, some commission members said they would like to see Wellington Way extended.

"I am somebody who believes that Eagan should have more through roads,î said Commission Chair Carla Heyl.

The City Council has made it clear that it will not approve an extension.

Commission Member Duey Bendt said his main concern is the considerable pollution that has been found on the site, including piles of manure and remnants of the former Met Stadium.

"My top priority is to get this cleaned up,î he said.

Residents at the meeting voiced concerns over issues ranging from a shortened conservation easement to the location of the townhomes around the ponds.

Many residents said that, although the proposal's density meets city guidelines, they would rather see all single family homes than a mix with townhomes.

Commission Member Ted Gladhill agreed. He said he's not a fan of the townhomes and doesn't see how the development would benefit the community.

"We're all anxious to have the pollution cleaned up, but I'm not anxious to make a bad decision here,î he said. "I don't feel it's compatible with surrounding areas.î

Gladhill and Commission Member Steven Chavez voted against the proposal.

Commission Member Peter Dugan abstained from voting.

But Heyl said the benefit is the fact that the site will be cleaned up.

"This development will be a major enhancement,î she said. "I'm not opposed to townhouses in that area. I don't think it's going to be a detriment to the single family homes -- they're going to be very nice townhouses.î

The proposal will go before the City Council for a final vote on April 5.

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

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