Lake Elmo Development News
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Lake Elmo City Council Meeting - 06/16/2026
Published: Jun 16, 2026
City Council Considers Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Align Population Forecasts with Met Council Guidance Amidst Concerns
The City Council discussed proposed amendments to the city's 2040 Comprehensive Plan regarding population forecasts. The Met Council's 2025 system statement presented lower population estimates than city staff projections, partly due to a White Bear Lake court decision impacting growth in affected areas. Staff estimates indicate the city will exceed Met Council forecasts for 2030 and 2040, with current building permit data showing strong demand for housing. The Met Council has proposed amended forecast numbers, which the city is considering adopting. These changes affect household and population figures, reflecting a trend of decreasing average household size. The council expressed concerns about the Met Council's methodology, particularly the lack of formal council approval for the White Bear Lake memo and its potential impact on future development approvals, sewer capacity, and water supply planning.
Revised Crosswalk Policy and 2026 Improvement Plan Focus on Safety and Strategic RFB Placement
The City Council reviewed proposed updates to the crosswalk policy and 2026 crosswalk improvements. The updated policy incorporates criteria for installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RFBs), balancing cost-effectiveness with safety and demand. Three specific crosswalk locations were evaluated: Fifth Street at Ivywood, Fifth Street at Julia Avenue, and Village Parkway at Lower 31st Street. For Fifth Street locations, RFBs were deemed premature due to ongoing development and roadway configuration (number of lanes, speed), recommending marked crosswalks, pedestrian warning signage, and curb ramp improvements instead. At Village Parkway, RFBs were not recommended due to low volume and narrow street width, suggesting basic markings, signage, and optional curb extensions. The council also debated the effectiveness of traffic calming measures like curb extensions and speed limit reductions, and the process by which Met Council policy changes are implemented.
Preliminary Plat Approved for Five-Lot Commercial Subdivision in Inwood Development
The City Council reviewed a preliminary plat for a five-lot subdivision on a 17-acre commercial property within the Inwood development. The applicant, Vadness Associates LLC, proposed the subdivision for future commercial use, with no buildings or parking lots currently planned. The review considered land use, zoning, bulk standards, tree preservation, landscaping, grading, stormwater, wetland impacts, public infrastructure, parkland dedication, and master plan consistency. Several conditions were recommended, including enhanced screening on the east side of Irene Avenue. Public comments raised concerns about traffic, noise, headlight screening, and privacy, requesting additional screening measures. The Planning Commission recommended approval with an additional condition for enhanced screening. The developer agreed to review the feasibility of enhanced landscaping and screening.
Concept Plan for 82-Unit Townhome Development in Bridgewater Village Requires PUD Flexibilities
The council reviewed a concept plan for Bridgewater Village Town Homes, a proposed 80-82 unit single-family attached townhome development on approximately 16 acres. The project requires Planned Unit Development (PUD) flexibilities, notably exceeding the 25% cap on attached townhomes in the medium-density residential village zone, requesting 100%. Other requested flexibilities relate to minimum lot area and width. The original platting in 2014 envisioned attached townhomes, prior to the 25% cap being implemented. Concerns were raised about architectural style preferences, the impact of the 30% impervious surface limit on lot size, and the provision of visitor parking. The development will utilize private streets with public utilities. The Parks Commission recommended cash-in-lieu for parkland dedication. Discussions also touched upon the potential for a 'tot lot' amenity and the developer's commitment to four-sided LP siding on buildings.
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The Lake Elmo News archive
Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority Meeting - 06/16/2026
Lake Elmo Parks Commission - 06/15/2026
Lake Elmo City Council Workshop - 06/09/2026
Lake Elmo City Council Workshop - 06/09/2026
Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting - 06/08/2026
Lake Elmo City Council Meeting - 06/02/2026
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