The Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Land Haven Development was approved by the council. This development would create New Ulm’s first combination storage facility/residential dwelling neighborhood.

Land Haven Development is a 6.85-acre property located at 2211 Jacobs Street, adjacent to Walmart. The plan for the property is to construct 28 building lots. Twenty-two of the lots would be used for bardominium (BA) units. A barndominium is a residential building combining a traditional barn-like structure with residential dwelling features. With a BA, no more than 50% of the structural footprint can be used for residential dwellings. The non-residential portion of the buildings will have an open floor plan. The 22 BA units in this development will have gas, electric, water and sewer services.

The other six buildings on the property will be used for storage condominiums (SC). The SC units will have gas and electric services but no water or sewer.

The developer would also construct a private, U-shaped street in the development, providing frontage for all lots on the property. There would also be two outlets for stormwater retention.

A concept design for the new Land Haven Development. The development would have 22 barndominium units and six storage condominium units located at 2211 Jacobs Street in an industrial zone behind Walmart. Submitted photo

The New Ulm Planning Commission recommended approval of the PUD for Land Haven during the May 29 meeting. There were no public comments were received during the public hearing on the PUD.

City Planner John Knisley said currently New Ulm’s zoning ordinance does not allow for residential dwellings in industrial zones and this property is located in an industrial zoning district. By applying for a PUD and general development plan, BA units would be allowed in this specific district.

Knisley said a concern with the property is that other industrial uses could be built around it and wanted potential residents moving into Land Haven to be aware of the potential conditions before purchasing a property.

Knisley said a condition of the PUD approval and general development plan for Land Haven will require the development’s managing association to provide documents advising anyone purchasing a lot in the development may be subject to dust, traffic, noise, vibration, refuse and garbage, glare, odors and smoke generated in an industrial zone.

An Association will manage the entire project area. Knisley said the developers are planning a strict style and design. The idea is all the BA and SC units would have the same look and match each other.

A map of the property showing the location of Land Haven Development, northeast of Walmart at 2211 Jacobs Street. Submitted photo

Mayor Kathleen Backer thanked Land Haven developer Tony Gulden for giving the city unique options for resolving the city’s housing needs.

Council President Andrea Boettger also appreciated the new opportunity but admitted she had mixed emotions about allowing residential units in industrial zones.

“I don’t love it, but I am not afraid to try it,” she said. “I think this is a creative way to move forward.”

Councilor Larry Mack was supportive of how the project was moving forward. He had heard people expressing a desire to live in combination storage/residential dwellings for years and now they had the opportunity.

“We’re offering another diverse avenue for the community,” he said. “If that is what they choose, that’s what they choose.”

Councilor Tom Schmitz made the motion to approve the PUD for Land Haven with a second from Councilor Eric Warmka. It was unanimously passed.