A project in Eden Prairie that was pegged as a unique energy-efficient, high-density development with affordable homes asked the city last week to allow it to increase prices after struggling to meet the pricing limit.
Eden Gardens, located near Hwy. 212, got city approval in 2014 to build 36 homes with "green" features such as efficient windows and improved insulation, at prices ranging from $330,000 to $599,000. Sixteen higher-priced "market-rate" homes on the perimeter were designed to blend in with the adjacent Fairfield neighborhood, while the remaining 20 homes were to be midmarket.
But the city said that after a year of marketing the homes, the developer hasn't been able to meet the limit on home prices and include amenities that buyers want. It has asked for a new three-tiered pricing plan for 14 remaining homes that would price six of them under $372,000, four from $372,000 to $400,000 and four others from $400,000 to $440,000.
The city bought the 8-acre property from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and sold it to the developer, Homestead Partners, with the initial goal of having 21 of the 36 homes priced between $240,000 and $360,000, saying that it would counter the explosion of luxury homes, attracting younger families and empty nesters who want smaller lot sizes and moderately priced homes. But project costs drove up the home prices.
KELLY SMITH
ROBBINSDALE
Council approves booze and bees
Robbinsdale is the latest city to update its municipal code to allow for microdistilleries and beekeeping, both growing industries in the Twin Cities.
The City Council approved the changes last week, adding licensing for microdistilleries with on-sale cocktail rooms, which are similar to brewery taprooms. State law allows the operators of a distillery to serve their own spirits on-site, as long as the local jurisdiction permits it.
The City Council also changed its beekeeping ordinance after some residents expressed interest in having beehives. The city's code had required hives to be located 300 feet from any neighboring property, which effectively prohibited beekeeping in the city limits.
The latest change allows the city to approve permits for hives, with certain restrictions such as flyway barriers and number of colonies.
Both changes are effective in mid-February.
KELLY SMITH
EXCELSIOR
Historical society hosts streetcar talk
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society will host a free event Monday on the history of streetcars and steamboats in the area.
