375-Home Development Moving Forward in Hastings
Remember that massive 160-acre development we told you about last month? It's picking up speed.
At this week's HEDRA meeting, Community Development Director John Hinzman shared new details on Pleasant Valley Farms — the proposed 375-home subdivision in north Hastings. Here's where things stand.
What's New
The development went through a Development Review Committee meeting last week. That's essentially a kick-the-tires session where city staff looks at how the layout would work. It's a good sign that things are progressing.
Next up: Hinzman is heading to the Park Board with the proposal in a couple of weeks. After that, Homes by Tradition (the developer) will submit formal annexation applications and an Environmental Assessment Worksheet.
More Details on What's Planned
Here's what we learned about the development layout:
General Sieben Drive — the road that currently ends at Featherstone Road — would extend all the way north to County Road 42 at Lock Boulevard. Homes would be built on both sides of that road.
The developers are also planning a park, trail system, and HOA clubhouse within the community. Hinzman noted that Homes by Tradition built Ranching Farms in Cobblestone Lake in Lakeville and Apple Valley. He said they include sidewalks, trails, and community amenities in their projects.
Timeline
If everything goes through the review process smoothly:
- Grading could start later this year or early next year
- Homes constructed by the end of 2027
That's still a big "if" — there are a lot of steps between now and shovels in the ground. But the pace is picking up.
Why This Matters
Hastings has a housing unit gap of almost 1,500 units over the next five years, according to a housing needs assessment completed last year. That includes about 1,000 for-sale units and 400 rental units.
Pleasant Valley Farms alone would cover about a quarter of that gap. Combined with Heritage Ridge (40 more units), Sunset Hills (26 units), and other projects in the pipeline, the city could see roughly 670 new housing units if everything moves forward.
For a city the size of Hastings, that's a big deal.
What's Next
The formal annexation application and environmental assessment are coming soon. Once those are filed, there will be public review and city council hearings. We'll break those down as they happen.
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