Maple Grove Approves Plan for Million Dollar Homes Near Tree Preserve

A new Maple Grove housing project is in the works, one the developer expects “large demand” for.

Gonyea Co. is proposing 20 new homes near a forest preserve in the southwest part of the city.

It’s an extension of a development called The Ridge at Elm Creek, which was originally approved five years ago. The development is in an area north of Elm Road and west of 64th Avenue.

The homes would range in price from $1.5 million to $3 million.

According to Maple Grove City Planner Jesse Corrow, an extension of 64th Avenue is proposed to provide access to 14 of the new homes. The road would terminate at Elm Road to create new access into the neighborhood.

The entire site is 10 acres and would provide 0.5-acre lots in the city’s “T-zone,” a designated area within the city where trees are protected from development and removal.

The city’s T-zone ordinance allows up to 50 percent removal of trees before replacement or financial penalty is required. Gonyea Co. would remove 49.3 percent of trees, which is under the city’s threshold, said Corrow.

“Efforts have been to preserve much of the surrounding forest,” said Corrow at the May 19 Maple Grove City Council meeting. “Large wooded lots coupled with these custom-built homes provide a very attractive neighborhood.”

The T-zone also provides protection of trees even after development. Corrow said property owners are required to replace trees on a one-to-one basis.

At the May 19 meeting, the Maple Grove City Council approved a planned unit development concept stage plan, development stage plan, rezoning and preliminary plat that allows the project to proceed.

Also See: New Plymouth Apartment Proposal Aims To Address ‘Missing Middle’ Housing

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