May 5, 2005 Waconia Patriot
"Largest Residential Development in Waconia's History Moves Forward"

In a matter of months, the single largest housing project ever proposed in Waconia will be on its way to changing the look of the souhtern region of city like never before.

Waterford subdivision, being developed by Plowshares, will ultimately include 523 units of housing on property along Highway 284, west of Sierra and Clearwater Mills.

The project will consume a massive 160 acres of land, with 37 acres being dedicated to parks, trails, wetlands, open space and ponds (including a 6.5 acre pond near the center).

The project cleared its most difficult hurdle with the successful completion of an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW), designed to ensure that environmental issues are adequately addressed because of the size of the project. That EAW process was finished this past Monday night with the blessing of the city council, opening the way for the project to possibly begin site preparation this summer.

It will be a phased project, likely taking at least five years to be developed. But it will offer a variety of housing options for residents of the community, including 208 small single family lots, 113 larger single family lots, 120 townhomes and 82 duplex/triplex units.

The prices for the homes range anywhere from $200,000 to $350,000+.

The project is massive in scope and includes several key components , including a large retention pond that will help curb drainage issues that currently exist in areas near Southview, the hospital, Vern's Auto Body and points southward. The large drainage pond is designed to handle the capacity.

Plans also call for an association-owned swimming pool and clubhouse to be built as part of the development. An east-west road conneciton will be made at Sparrow Road, which will ultimately allow vehicle traffic all the way to 15th Street, which in turn is scheduled to eventually connect with County Road 10.

A public park will also be part of the project, operated by the city's parks and recreation department. It will be large enough to allow for soccer or baseball.