Dakota County CDA outlines senior and family affordable housing concept on site beside planned fire station

Dakota County Community Development Authority (CDA) staff and a county commissioner briefed the Lakeville City Council on April 20 about a concept plan for the outlot remaining after platting a new fire station.

CDA executive‑level staff described an initial concept that places a four‑story, 120‑unit income‑restricted senior rental on the south end of the parcel and 25–27 income‑restricted family townhomes on the north end. CDA staff said both components would be rental and income‑restricted; the CDA generally pays appraised value for land acquisition and would bring a formal proposal to the CDA board and to the council if the board directs staff to proceed.

Councilmembers welcomed the concept as a way to expand senior and affordable housing in Lakeville but asked staff to consider preserving some commercial potential on the northern piece if feasible and to ensure future street/access arrangements do not cut off access to existing businesses. Commissioner Hobart said the CDA is beginning a countywide evaluation of townhome programs and that timing of any construction is for future planning and land banking rather than immediate buildout.

Council feedback included interest in mixed‑use possibilities for the smaller northern parcel, and support for addressing long waiting lists for senior housing. Staff and CDA representatives said they will return with more detail after additional CDA board review, appraisal and discussions about parcel lines and road alignment.