Plans for New Triton Drive Neighborhood Approved

At their meeting Wednesday night, the Golden Valley City Council unanimously approved final PUD plans for the development of five single-family homes on Triton Drive, a project that has involved city staff since the beginning of 2012.

The five homes will be developed by A.K.A.R.E Companies, with construction beginning once the final plat is approved.

Currently, the lot has one home situated on it. A.K.A.R.E. Companies bought the property and plans to tear down the home and build five high-end homes valued between $400,000-$600,000, according to city documents.

Issues like power line placement, storm water management, property line clarity, driveway placement and title ownership have weighed heavily on both city staff and neighbors.

Neighborhood meetings and public hearings have allowed neighbors the chance to voice their opinions, especially about issues surrounding the construction of a storm water pond on the property.

"A properly designed pond is one of the most effective measures for nutrient and sediment removal," City Engineer Jeff Oliver said to the Council on Wednesday.

The Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission is requiring that the pond be constructed, though the developer wants to move the pond five feet from it's planned location. "Staff has not approved the proposal to relocate the pond but everything is looking favorable," Oliver said.

When Mayor Shep Harris opened the public hearing, neighbor Fred Reiter, who has been actively engaged in discussions about the development, raised a new issue about the ownership of the home on the property. After Reiter filed an objection, Golden Valley City Attorney Allen Barnard quickly diffused Reiter's argument by clarifying that a purchase agreement interest is all that's needed for the developer to have rightful ownership of the home.

The City Council will review final plans after the Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission reviews final storm water plans.