ROCHESTER — A Texas-based developer received support Wednesday in its request to expand Rochester’s boundaries.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend annexation of 45 acres on the northeast corner of 55th Street Northwest and 18th Avenue.
Anthony Properties plans to develop 20 acres with multi-family housing and 25 acres with commercial development, which is on a portion of a larger 115-acre property owned by Danielson Family Farms.
“We do have the whole property under contract for purchase, but at this time we are moving forward with the 45 acres,” said Justin Todd, Anthony Properties’ assistant vice president of development. “That will be kind of our phase one to get the project started.”
Last year, the developer asked the city to consider allowing up to 68 acres to be developed with apartment buildings and senior housing, along with another 24 acres for commercial use. It would have left 28 developable acres for single-family homes, which the Rochester City Council determined was an undesirable split for the location.
Todd didn’t say how Anthony Properties would develop the area currently dedicated to low-density housing, but at a neighborhood meeting in January, he said the developer doesn’t create low-density housing and could contract with a company that does.
Bill Tointon, land development director for WSE Massey Engineering and Surveying Ltd., said Anthony Properties recently agreed to create a development plan for the entire site, but details continue to be finalized.
He said it will likely take 30 to 60 days to develop a draft plan and apply for city approval, but the annexation of the smaller site is the priority.
“We really can’t do that until we get this through the council,” he said of creating the larger plan.
The Rochester City Council is expected to review the annexation request during its March 18 meeting.
While details and designs regarding what will be built at the site aren’t part of the annexation process, Anthony Properties shared a concept with residents in January, which aligns with the current request.
The preliminary concept presented would include 872 apartment units in five buildings, some of which could be designated for independent seniors. Todd said they are expected to be rented at market rates, since Anthony Properties has no plans to seek government subsidies or incentives, which are typically needed for affordable housing projects.
The concept also included a variety of retail options near the intersection of 55th Street and 18th Avenue. The proposed commercial zoning included in the annexation request is intended to provide for pedestrian-friendly spaces for development of offices and retail uses with development considered compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Planning and Zoning Commission member Jeremy Andrist commended Anthony Properties for continuing to develop a plan for the site after its original request was deemed as too much.
“I appreciate you guys sticking through this process,” he said. “I do live right by there, and I think it will be a great addition to the neighborhood.”
Article Source: https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/texas-developer-seeks-to-expand-rochester-with-future-phases-possible