Mitchell City Council approves first reading of rezoning ordinance for Ridgeview on Foster development

By Mitchell Now November 21, 2023 7:14 am

The Mitchell City Council on Monday night unanimously approved a plat and the first reading of an ordinance to rezone land adjacent to Avera Queen of Peace for a new housing development. The Ridgeview on Foster development would be located on land along the corner of Foster Street and East Eighth Avenue. It is a collaboration between the City of Mitchell, Mitchell Area Development Corporation, and Avera. The project was facilitated after $2.4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was finalized for this project, thanks to the advocacy of Sen. Mike Rounds.

The Ridgeview on Foster project was announced in 2019, when Avera donated 22 acres of land valued at $750,000 near Avera Queen of Peace Hospital to be developed into housing for middle-income workers. It soon became clear that infrastructure costs like streets, gutter and sewer would make it difficult to keep homes affordable for workforce.

Lee Anderson, Vice President of Human Resources for Trail King, explained the importance of housing to helping alleviate Mitchell’s workforce shortage woes.

“Close to 50 of our workers drive more than 50 miles a day – from Huron in particular. We lose employees regularly because they indicate that there’s no affordable housing in town.”

During the 45-minute discussion on Monday, residents expressed concerns about traffic flow, block length, and access points to the development.

The council will consider approving the rezoning for the development in early December. A groundbreaking has already taken place for the project.

Lifestyle

2 days ago

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks

South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.

Government

2 days ago

AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.

Crime

2 days ago

Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.

Government

2 days ago

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan

South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.

Government

2 days ago

Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times

Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.