City takes action on new annexed land on north side

City officials recently annexed 8.42 acres of Mound Township land into the city of Luverne for housing development, and plans are in place to connect those four lots to city utilities.
Landowners Alan Schmuck and Patrick Widboom had requested the annexation of their ground for residential development and will be responsible for a large share of the cost of the improvements.
At their Tuesday, April 12, meeting, the council conducted a public hearing on assessments for water and sewer improvements for the new private housing development.
No one attended the hearing or offered written testimony, and the council took action to approve the preliminary plat for what is known as the Schmuck Addition.
Henning Construction, Adrian, submitted the low bid of $247,000 to connect the four-lot subdivision with city water and sewer along the north side of the lots.
This will open up 400 acres to the north for more land for gravity flow of sewer to the north of Luverne and creates a residential growth area for the city.
The city is also seeking a utility easement to allow for utilities for a potential future 13-lot development to the north.
The existing site along the north side of 131st Street is farmland consisting of row crops. Currently there is no water or sanitary sewer service to the property.
A feasibility report shows that the city of Luverne is continuing to grow, and as new businesses choose the community, housing needs also increase. The new development is advised to keep up with demand.
At their Tuesday, March 8, meeting, council members set a $200,000 assessment for landowners in the development to help cover the cost of bringing utilities to the four-lot subdivision.
The assessment will be paid by property owners over a 10-year period at an interest rate of 4 percent.
The city will be responsible for all costs over $200,000 because it’s sized for expansion in the future, and it’s advantageous for the city’s tax base.
The infrastructure work will be completed during the 2022 construction season.