Rochester council approves zoning change to make way for increased housing amid flooding worries

Mar. 18—ROCHESTER — A zoning change to allow added residential density on a 1.25-acre lot in southwest Rochester was unanimously approved Monday, March 18, as

neighbors voiced concern about potential flooding.

"We had a problem before, and it can only get worse now," neighbor Steve Kann said during a Rochester City Council public hearing regarding the zoning change for the property at the corner of 20th Street Southwest and Third Avenue.

Kann, who lives two homes east of the site, said he worries plans to develop the property with six single-family homes where one house once stood will increase the amount of water that drains onto his property during heavy rains.

He said he's reviewed changes to an earlier plan and sees potential for addressing drainage but still holds onto some worry.

"We can't afford to get flooded out," he said. "That 's our concern."

Bill Tointon, land development director for WSE Massey Engineering and Surveying Ltd., said the zoning request was delayed two weeks to work out a plan to address drainage and he believes a workable solution has been proposed.

"We will take care of the drainage," he told the City Council, adding that the plan has yet to be approved by city staff.

Community Development Deputy Director Ryan Yetzer said the development will not be allowed to add water drainage to nearby properties and approval by city staff is required before a final plat for redevelopment can be submitted.

The final plat, which is expected to address some proposed changes in defining the creation of six lots on the 1.25 acres, will then require council approval

Council member Patrick Keane, who represents the ward that includes the affected neighborhood, said he's confident the city's process will address concerns.

"I'm confident we are going to get to a good place," he said.

Neighbor Steve Amundson also raised concerns about increased flooding but added he also worries that proposed development plans could shift in the future.

While the current proposal calls for construction of six for-sale homes, he pointed out the zoning change would also allow the creation of fourplexes.

"Legally, down the road, it could still be a rental," he said.

Even as proposed, neighbor Maureen Forbrook, said the proposed project will change the neighborhood, which was established in the 1920s.

"We just want to see the neighborhood preserved as it was," she said, adding that she has concerns that the new homes won't fit among the older, affordable homes.

"Even if you are putting three or four houses in there, you are cramming them in there," she told the council.

Tointon said the homes are being designed to fit the neighborhood with comparable price ranges, and Tom Meilander, a real estate agent working with the developer, said the goal is to provide needed housing that will fit the neighborhood.

"I think it's a great asset for the city," he said.

Pike also told the council that the goal was to provide something to benefit the community, but added that he understands the concerns.

"I understand the neighbors," Pike said. "Change is hard."

Council member Norman Wahl said he toured the neighborhood ahead of Monday's council discussion and believes the new housing could match what already exists.

He said five homes already exist across the street from the lot on 20th Street Southwest.

"The density doesn't look terribly different to me than what we see on that street or block," he said.

Keane also said he understands the worry, but the current proposal matches the city's need for additional housing.

"There is a concern with density, but when you talk about infill development, there are going to be more homes in some neighborhoods," he said.