Forest Lake Development News
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06/22/2026 City Council Meeting
Published: Jun 22, 2026
Forest Lake Approves Multifamily Housing Bond Financing for Oakdale Project
The council approved a resolution authorizing host city approval for a multifamily housing revenue bond issuance by the city of Oakdale, which will finance an affordable housing rehab project including West Ridge town homes. This action also authorizes the execution of a joint powers agreement. There is no financial obligation or liability for Forest Lake city as all costs are paid by the borrower. This matter was previously before the council in 2024 but was not issued at that time as the developer was not ready to proceed [cite: 45-79, 110-120, 122-129].
Sheelander Woods Concept Plan Faces Density and Environmental Challenges
The council reviewed a concept plan for Sheelander Woods, a 35-acre single-family residential development zoned MXR1, requiring minimum 7500 sq ft lots with 65 ft width. The proposal includes 25 detached single-family lots. A primary challenge is meeting the Met Council's guidance of three units per acre due to site constraints like wetlands, woodlands, and topography. The current net developable acreage yields approximately 1.9 units per acre, with potential to reach just over 2 units per acre. Options discussed include smaller lots, attached housing, revised layouts, or a planned unit development. The Parks Commission and Planning Commission have provided feedback, with the Parks Commission preferring a larger neighborhood park on the west side or a fee-in-lieu of land dedication. Staff identified concerns regarding wetland buffers, additional right-of-way on Harrow Avenue, and density. The developer is exploring options to meet density requirements, potentially through conserving eastern parkland or utilizing smaller lots. Discussions also touched upon the cumulative density requirements citywide and the need for comprehensive plan amendments for significantly constrained sites [cite: 133-490, 591-602].
Forest Lake Airport Commission Membership Revisions Tabled for Further Review
The council discussed Ordinance 773, which would revise the Airport Commission's officer structure by eliminating the secretary position and retaining only the chair and vice chair. It also modifies officer elections to occur after commission membership changes. A key proposed change is allowing one non-resident member, specifically a hangar owner, to serve. Concerns were raised about allowing non-residents and requiring hangar ownership, with suggestions for non-voting advisory roles for non-residents or experts. Council members expressed a desire for more diverse representation and transparency. The matter was tabled for further staff work, including advertising the vacancy and potentially exploring changes to the commission's name to 'Airport Advisory Committee' [cite: 1163-1481].
Hidden Creek Phase 3: Letter of Credit Reduction and Headwaters Parkway Payment Approved
The council addressed the Hidden Creek phase 3 utility and street improvements, involving a letter of credit reduction and a partial payment for work completed on Headwaters Parkway. The developer is entitled to reductions in their letter of credit as work is completed. The current letter of credit is $991,782.24, with a proposed reduction to $768,187. A unique situation arose because the Headwaters Parkway was not originally constructed to the plat line by a previous developer, leading to a cost share for the city. The city's portion for Headwaters Parkway is estimated at $197,856.10, and the partial payment approval includes $187,187.60 for work completed to date. This item was brought forward to highlight potential consequences of not fully adhering to development agreements [cite: 862-999, 1005-1029].
Easement Adjustment Approved for Havenwood Development
The council approved a resolution vacating an existing permanent public drainage and utility easement and approving a replacement easement for the Havenwood development. This adjustment was necessary due to final engineering plans revealing the original easement needed to be slightly moved to align with the development's needs. The affected property owners were notified [cite: 779-822, 846-861].
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The Forest Lake News archive
June 18, 2026 - School Board Meeting of Forest Lake Area Schools
06/17/2026 Parks and Rec Comm. Meeting
06/15/2026 City Council Workshop
City Council Workshop | Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Planning Commission Meeting - Wednesday, June 10, 2026
City Council Meeting | Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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