The first ordinance change will rezone a 1.9-acre agricultural open space at 2405 N. Highland Avenue to a medium-density residential district.

The request to rezone came from Adam and Shana Wels. The land is located in the Wels Subdivision and the rezone would allow the construction of four town houses, each with four dwellings for a potential 16 residential dwellings. The proposed development would also create a private driving lane that would be accessible from North Highland Avenue.

The city council unanimously approved the first review of the rezoning request during their June 2 meeting. The council felt it made sense to approve the rezone because the property is already designated as medium-density residential in New Ulm’s Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the property currently abuts other medium and high-density residential properties.

Councilor David Christian made the motion to approve the rezone with a second from Councilor Larry Mack.

A ground level view of the area to be platted as Oak Bluffs 11th Addition. The property consists of three lots in the 1400 block of N. 6th Street. M & D Properties and Dale Bushard requested the plat for construction of new residential housing. Submitted photo.

With the second approval of ordinance, the rezoning with go into effect 30 days after it is published in The Journal.

Later in the meeting, the council approved a second reading of an ordinance impacting the city’s ice and snow removal policy. The ordinance expands and specifies snow removal for sidewalks adjacent to private property. The new language states that snow must be removed from the entire width (edge to edge) of a sidewalk. Additionally, snow must be removed from the extensions of the sidewalk to the street or from areas that facilitate pedestrian street crossings. This includes sidewalk ramps.

Councilor Mack made the motion to approve the second consideration with a second from Christian and was approved by the council.

Along with the ordinance changes, the council approved a preliminary plat for the Oak Bluffs 11th Addition.

The area being platted includes three lot in the 1400 block of 6th North Street and is 1.62 acres. The property is located north of the New Ulm Diocese Pastoral Center.

An aerial view of the land platted as Oak Bluffs 11th Addition. Submitted photo.

M & D Properties and Dale Bushard requested the plat for construction of new residential housing. A twin home is planned for construction on two of the lots with a single family dwelling constructed on the third lot.

The New Ulm Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the preliminary plat during their June 25 meeting.

Mack made the motion to approve preliminary plat with a second from Christian.