Spate of New Affordable Housing Projects Coming to Dakota County

A 50-unit housing development designed for low- to moderate-income families got a green light from the Eagan City Council on Tuesday.

A 50-unit housing development designed for low- to moderate-income families got a green light from the Eagan City Council on Tuesday. But that's just one of a handful of new affordable workforce housing developments on the way in Dakota County. Dakota County Community Development Agency Director Mark Ulfers told Eagan city officials at a Tuesday meeting that the organization recently purchased sites in Rosemount, Lakeville, Inver Grove Heights and Farmington—and was close to closing a property deal in Apple Valley. The announcement came during a lengthy discussion regarding the latest Eagan project. In the last year, the CDA has constructed or sought approval for three new affordable workforce housing developments in the city—in addition …

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Parkview Will Open on May 3 for 'Last Hurrah'

Proceeds from the golf course, which is slated for redevelopment, will go toward several local charity causes.

Parkview Golf Course's fate may be sealed, but owners and developers have decided to give local golfers one last shot at playing the course. Parkview co-owner Robert Zakheim announced late last week that the course will open on May 3 for the spring season, and that all net proceeds from the driving range and green fees will be donated to a pair of local charity causes: The Eagan Resource Center and the family of former Parkview employee Ken Severson. Severson, a longtime employee of the course, passed away of a rare heart condition. Proceeds will be used to bolster the college funds of Severson's two children. "Parkview Golf Associates and Hunter Emerson are excited about this plan," Zakheim wrote in a news release issued late last week. "…

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Eagan Resident Makes 11th-Hour Offer to Purchase, Preserve Parkview

Jeff Varela has submitted what he calls a "credible, seven-digit" offer for the 80-acre golf course, just days before city officials will vote to decide the golf course's fate.

Days before the Eagan City Council is expected to vote on the controversial Parkview Golf Course redevelopment proposal, another buyer has stepped forward with an offer to purchase the property and preserve it as a golf course. Longtime Eagan resident Jeff Varela said on Friday that he has made a "credible, seven-digit offer" for the 80-acre, 18-hole golf course, which is at the center of a hot debate over property use. Varela said he plans to operate a family-run golf course on the property, if the current property owners agree to take his offer. Varela isn't the only one with eyes on the golf course property, which sits near the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Cliff Road in southern Eagan. Eden Prairie-based developer Hunter Emerson …

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South Metro News Roundup

A Tragic Death in Apple Valley, Burnsville May Loosen Liquor Law: South Metro News Roundup

In other top headlines from the past week, expansion begins at Fairview Hospital campus.

  You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the past week's top stories, which first appeared on this site or those of our neighbors throughout the South Metro region. To read the full story, click on the headline link:   Death Notice: 9-Month-Old Olivia C. Kane and Her Mother, Kelly C. A mother and her 9-month-old baby daughter died on Feb. 8.   Lowering the Bar: City to Open Liquor Licensing to Small Restaurants The Burnsville City Council has informally agreed to loosen liquor licensing requirements to make the process less daunting for eateries of the hole-in-the-wall variety. Fairview Expansion Project Picks Up Speed Tuesday, the city council gave Fairview the OK to begin Phase I of a major …

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South Metro News Roundup

As the Flu Moves On, the Norovirus Moves In: South Metro News Roundup

In other top headlines from around the South Metro region last week, Eagan's Nicholas David makes an appearance at his alma mater, and real estate sales soar in both Burnsville and Apple Valley.

You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the past week's top stories, which first appeared on this site or those of our neighbors throughout the South Metro region. Here's a look at recent stories that may interest you or have an impact on your life. To read the full story, click on the headline link.   Norovirus Bug On the Rise, New Strain Arrives in Minnesota A new, extremely contagious norovirus strain, detected last year in Australia, is making Minnesotans miserable.   Coming Soon to Apple Valley: The Elvis Sandwich Which Wich owner Jeff Eccles is opening an outlet in Eagan on Feb. 19, followed by an additional location in Apple Valley. Sold!: $1 Million of Home Stock in Apple Valley—On a …

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Eagan City Council Says Yes to Caponi Art Park Purchase

On Tuesday, the council unanimously agreed to enter into a joint purchase agreement with Dakota County to buy 27.12 acres of the park, just north of Apple Valley. The decision ensures the entirety of the park will remain intact and preserved.

    A question that has loomed over Caponi Art Park for decades was finally resolved Tuesday night, when the Eagan City Council approved a joint purchase agreement that will preserve the entirety of the park and its legacy for years to come. The council voted unanimously to purchase 27.12 acres of the 57-acre park for $800,000—a cost that will be split equally by Dakota County and the city. Eagan already owns the remaining acreage, which was purchased in 2005. Tuesday's decision means that park proponents and 91-year-old park founder Tony Caponi can rest easy. The final closing date for the purchase must occur on or before Dec. 31, 2014. Once the deal is done, the county will place a conservation easement across the entire park—preventing …

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Wal-Mart Raises its Banner in Burnsville: South Metro Roundup

Gun-slinging mayors, back yard chicken coops and a fatal car accident also made the news this week.

  You can't be in front of your computer 24 hours a day, so each weekend, Patch reviews the most significant stories of the past week. Here's a look at some of the stories, which first appeared on this Patch or those of our neighbors, that proved most popular, or that may have an impact on your life. To read the full story, click on the headline link.   VIDEO: Gunslinging Mayors' Rivalry Ignites at Charity Shoot Out Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire and Rosemount Mayor Bill Droste went head-to-head Thursday evening in an annual border battle and charity event at West End Hunting and Fishing Club. Plymouth Artist's Work Honors Gay Soldier Anthony Whelihan will have a private release of the portrait of Rosemount's Andrew Wilfahrt, who died in …

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