Woodbury Approves Latest Housing Development in Phase 2

The Woodbury City Council on Wednesday gave its approval for a new 221-home development near East Ridge High School.

Southridge, a Maplewood Development project, is slated on 78 acres south of Dale Road and east of the future alignment of Pioneer Drive. Homes could be available as soon as next summer.

It marks the latest round of future growth in the so-called Phase 2 area of the city, a portion of which the city opened up for development in the fall of 2012.

There are only two parcels in the Phase 2A area for which the city has yet to receive development applications, said Community Development Director Dwight Picha. The city expects 6,000 homes to be built in Phase 2 between 2010 and 2020.

Council members on Wednesday discussed street improvements in the area, notably Dale Road, which will become a main thoroughfare for new developments in the coming years.

Residents have expressed concerns about sightlines and safety along Dale Road, said Jim Edberg, relaying a report on the project from the Woodbury Planning Commission.

Councilman Paul Rebholz said the city should start formulating a plan for the future of Dale Road.

“The sooner we do that, the better,” he said.

The council unanimously approved multiple measures for the Southridge project.