Plan Commission gets housing update, talks proposed development

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls Plan Commission heard about a proposed Powell Avenue housing development and received a presentation on national, state, regional and local housing markets.

The development proposal is for 12 twin homes totaling 24 units. Twenty of the units would be accessed through a new branch off Powell Avenue, while the final four will be located directly on Woodridge Drive. City Council will review the plan during the July 22 meeting.

According to Senior Planner Harley Mehlhorn, the 7.2-acre area was annexed into the city in May and the Park Board voted to collect a fee in lieu of land for park dedication in June.

The developer agreed to pay a fee in lieu of park space, meaning the development will pay rather than having the required amount of green space due to its proximity to Collins Park. The developer also committed to constructing an enhanced crossing for Powell Avenue to Collins Park, to which Plan Commission Chair Diane Odeen asked what it would entail...