Council Denies Request for Changes in Maple Grove Housing Development

When developers approached Maple Grove and asked the city to allow amendments to the original PUD for the Four Seasons at Rush Creek Development second edition, community support was mixed.

The amendments asked for by the developer (KHovnanian Homes) and addressed during the Aug. 1 City Council meeting would have reduced the number of homes built in the newer, age-restricted development south of 74th Avenue in Maple Grove. In all, the number of age-restricted lots would have been decreased from 300 to 229. Also, the amendment would have removed the age-restricted community designation for a portion of the development.

Representatives said the request was brought to the Council based on their “business needs,” citing concerns about selling lots during tough economic times.

Some residents asked the Council to enforce the developer’s original plan for 300, age-restricted lots and deny the amendment request. Supporters outlined a variety of reasons at the Aug. 1 City Council meeting, primarily talking about future homeowners fees, taxes and “promises” residents said were made by the developer.

On the opposite side, some residents supported allowing the developer to amend the PUD for the Four Seasons at Rush Creek Development. Supporters cited potentially lower homeowner association fees and a hope to see the development completed sooner.

And, in the middle making the decision Aug. 1 was the Maple Grove City Council. 

The City Council was tasked with deciding whether to approve or deny a request for an amendment to the original PUD for the Four Seasons at Rush Creek Development to lift an age restriction on lots south of 74th Avenue in the development and create larger lot size. Essentially, allowing space for fewer homes to be built - some without age-restrictions.

After hearing more than an hours worth of input from the developer and residents, the City Council weighed in on the subject.

“I have some continuing concerns about the project as I think I have expressed historically in the past,” Mayor Mark Steffenson said prior to the Council.

“The argument is that you promised to build 300 homes. Now you say you proposed 300 homes. You got approval for 300 homes from the city,” Councilmember Karen Jaugar said. “I’ve been on this council for quite a few years and I’ve been on since the beginning of your process.”

“…I call this a bait and switch,” she said. “…things are tough all over. But, when you make a commitment to something as you do in a marriage…you stick with it, stick it out for better or worse.”

Councilmember Phil Leith talked about upcoming development and growth in the area, ultimately supporting the planning commissions recommendation to deny the amendment request.

“We were told 300 and I’d like to see it stay that way,” he said.

Other members expressed their viewpoints about the amendment request, ultimately voting unanimously to side with the recommendation of the planning commission and deny the PUD concept and development stage plan amendment and final plat for the Four Seasons at Rush Creek second addition.

To read the request presented to the City Council, click here.