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December 3, 1999
Diocese, city discuss proposals for land developmentArea near Fifth North and Highland consideredBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Working with the city to develop better housing options and potential areas for growth is the goal of the Diocese of New Ulm. To further that goal, diocese representatives met with city officials Thursday night to discuss development options for land owned by the diocese near Fifth North Street and Highland Avenue. "There has been a great deal of interest in this," said Bishop Raymond Lucker. "We want to be good neighbors and cooperate with the city as much as possible in this project." In the past, the diocese has contributed money toward the renovation and restoration of the Way of the Cross, which is on its property. The diocese also assisted with the St. Michael's housing project and donated land to Brown County for development of a park and to the Department of Natural resources for development of a bird sanctuary. "We want to be good stewards of the land and want to help the city solve the housing shortage," Lucker said. The land, located at the corner of Fifth North and Highland, was purchased by the Diocese in 1962 with the goal of developing a possible junior college or mini-seminary, as well as to provide room for the expansion of Cathedral High School and development of a third diocese. Because the city did not grow as anticipated, the diocese determined a few years later that it no longer needed the land, which originally extended all the way to Garden Street, and portions were sold. In 1978, part of the land was sold to District 88 for use as a possible location for a high school. That land now houses the Oak Hills Living Center. "We came to the conclusion that we needed a comprehensive land-use plan," Lucker said. "The preliminary plan calls for development in a phased way that follows the city grid pattern. It is planned for mixed use." The development of the land needs to be compatible with the operations of the Pastoral Center, while following the topography and maintaining proper right-of-ways for the development of roads, Project Manager Dave Maroney of Community Partners in Northfield said. "The goal of the project is to limit the access to Highland Avenue as much as possible," he said. "The school owns property in the area that is basically landlocked. That has to be considered as well." The possible vacation of Sixth North Street is one option to maintain access to the Pastoral Center. A possible vacation of Eighth North through the property could also be considered, Maroney said. "All the planning at this point is for development east of North Highland," he said. "We are not suggesting that the west side won't develop. We just feel the development should be maintained orderly on the east side." There is a potential for two multi-family facilities on approximately five acres of land bordering Sixth North, with an additional 18 single-family lots, included in Phase I of the project. "Phase II will contain approximately 20 single-family lots," Maroney said. "There is a total potential for between 115-120 lots. There are still several unresolved issues at this time." Access needs to be left to the property owned by District 88, as no specific future plans have been considered yet by school officials. "We are hoping to develop the final plat by 2000 so we can begin development by the end of the year," Maroney said. "We are comfortable with the concept initially." Alleys have been discussed and can be included in the final plan, if that is what city officials prefer, he said. "Utility easements will be needed and it is possible to develop greenspace for that purpose," Director of Utilities Robert Stevenson said. "The utility access can be fronted at the curb as a last resort." Alleys provide more access points and would defeat the purpose of minimizing access to Highland Avenue, City Manager Richard Salvati said. The planners will look at options regarding alleys, community parks, recreation areas and other issues as the plan develops. "The site offers creative development plans and nothing specific has been decided as to the type of multiple family units," Maroney said. "The development of Phase I has to complement further expansion." The value of a lot depends on the size and affordability of the homes being built and the concern of the city is having affordable housing for workers, City Council Member Clark Tuttle said. "It will take time to develop the entire project," Maroney said. "This is not Eden Prairie. A lot depends on the market in New Ulm. The city is a big player in the process." There is no commercial development being considered along that section of North Highland Ave. "This is a very positive step for the city," City Council President Daniel Beranek said.
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