Lots are officially for sale in Luverne’s new Uithoven Addition on the west edge of town.
The Luverne Economic Development Authority took action Monday morning to set terms, conditions and sale prices for lots in the subdivision named for Mike and Vi Uithoven who once owned the land.
EDA director Holly Sammons said the residential lots are similar to those in Manfred Heights in that they offer plenty of space in green areas, access to trails and parks and other desirable amenities.
“It will be nice to start receiving revenue from the lot sales,” she said. “But also, it will represent new property tax revenue and an increased tax base.”
Twin home lots priced at $29,000, single-family lots up to $51,000
There are 15 lots along Uithoven Avenue, which intersects with Tallgrass and Meadowlark circles.
The eight lots on the south end will be sold to a developer for twin homes at $29,000 per lot.
The city is requesting proposals from developers to build what will need to be slab construction twin homes, because of the grade. Contractors have until Dec. 20 to submit their building proposals to the city.
The three “premium” lots on the east side of the street closest to Dodge Street will be more conducive for single-family dwellings at $45,000 to $51,000 per lot.
The remaining four across the street in Tallgrass Circle will be sold as either single family or twin home structures at $35,000 per lot.
The prices will be in effect from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Protective covenants
At Monday’s meeting, the LEDA approved a list of protective covenants that will govern the appearance and integrity of the new neighborhood.
For example, all single-family homes must have at least 1,600 square feet of living space, must be no more than two stories high and should have a roof pitch of at least 6:12.
Twin homes must have at least 2,800 square feet of livable floor area.
All homes must have attached garages with at least 480 square feet, garage doors can’t be taller than eight feet (unless preapproved).
The covenants also govern things like storing recreational vehicles outside, building sheds, fences, sidewalks, pools, driveways, patios, outdoor lighting and other details.
City leaders initially considered a street connecting the subdivision with West Main Street to the south near RCO, but that plan has been abandoned.
Engineers determined that bridges and culverts would be too costly through this wetland area, which is better left untouched.
A retention pond on the southeast corner of the development will hold back storm water before it drains into Poplar Creek.