Hastings building permits surge in June; Cedar Park, Trailside and other projects moving forward

Danny (staff member) told the Hastings Planning Commission that new residential building permits numbered 4 in May, 23 in June and 13 in July, and that total building permits for June and July together were 137. On the commercial and industrial side, staff logged four commercial permits and three industrial permits for May through July; the commission was also told there were five demolition permits processed in that period.

Danny said larger projects under construction include Cedar Park, where Hoppy Homes hopes to break ground about Sept. 1 on a project he described as "48 apartments and then 10 townhomes, which about 80% of that will be a, cost effective subsidy, rent control kind of for for individuals for those." He said Trailside has its first buildings set and will bring 28 townhomes, with the first three units hoped to be completed by October. At 20 Sixth and Elm, the first building is being occupied and more occupancies are expected in the coming weeks. Danny also reported that a 56‑unit building in the Theater District is completed and beginning to fill.

Commissioners asked about demolition timelines and process. Danny explained many demolition permits follow fires and insurance claims and can take more than a year to resolve because of ownership, insurance and financial issues. Planning Commissioner Chuck Rosenberg added that asbestos permits and required removal can delay demolitions by months. Danny said the city prefers to work with private owners to find rehabilitation outcomes when feasible to reduce taxpayer demolition costs.

On subdivisions and infrastructure, Danny said sewer and water are in at Elm Meadows (20 Third and Elm) and road paving on Bridal was scheduled to start on Friday, with developers expecting to begin work about three weeks later.

No formal land‑use decisions or votes were taken during the report; the item was provided as an informational update.