New 73-Unit Residential Development Proposed Near Quarry Point Park

Residents of Apple Valley's Regatta neighborhood may soon have some new neighbors to the east.

Late in April, Twin Cities-based Arcon Development asked the Apple Valley City Council to approve a Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment that would allow for the development of 73 single-family homes on a roughly 27-acre site.

The property, located north of 160th St. W. and just wast of Quarry Point Park, is currently undeveloped farmland, according to Apple Valley City Planner Thomas Lovelace. The site is currently zoned for sand and gravel mining, and is adjacent to the Regatta residential development.

A land use amendment modifies the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan—a document that outlines city officials' vision for current and future development in the city. Before the Apple Valley City Council can approve Arcon's request, the proposed amendment must be submitted to the Metropolitan Council, a Twin Cities regional planning body, for review and approval.

If the land use amendment is approved, the council would have to vote to approve rezoning and a subdivision request for the property before construction can begin.

Dakota County officials also have their eyes on the 27-acre site; county planners have expressed an interest in developing a portion of the North Creek Greenway—a "green pipeline" connecting larger natural areas in the southern part of the county to Lebanon Hills Regional Park—in the area.

The developer would likely work with county officials to incorporate the greenway into design of the housing development, according to city documents.

Correction: This article has been amended to correct an inaccuracy. The proposed housing development is located west of Quarry Point Park.