The City of Hastings is planning for a westward expansion.
The city has put out a request for proposals for a “small area plan” for a 400 acre site off Hwy. 55 just west of the current city limits. At the heart of the parcel is the Augustine property, where the city has been talking to a prospective developer for a large residential development.
The 400 acres is bordered by 150th Street East on the south and 140th Street East on the north. The development proposed is off of Jacob Avenue.
Hastings Community Development Director John Hinzman has reported that plans are progressing for a large development off of Hwy. 55. The City Council’s Planning Committee reviewed a proposal in April for a 300-unit development on the Augustine property, located east of Jacob Avenue.
The land is in Nininger Township and development with city services would require annexation.
The request for proposals states that the city “seeks professional concept planning services for an area of approximately 400 acres, generally located along Hwy. 55 at the western border of the city, consisting of multiple parcels under private ownership. With assistance from city staff, the selected consultant will perform a market analysis and engage with community members to create a feasibility study and recommendations for development on land at the western edge of the city and beyond its current borders. The information provided in the study will be a reference for policymakers and staff for future decisions and discussions as private landowners express interest in development entering the city limits.”
The completed proposals are due May 22 to city Economic Development Coordinator Alex Menke.
The request for proposals states that the city wants the concept plan for the area to:
•Obtain market data and evaluate the feasibility of the development of potential land use types for the area.
•Incorporate elements of traditional neighborhood design found elsewhere in Hastings.
•Provide for connections and buffers between various land uses.
•Ensure development plans meet the market demand.
•Provide private landowners and developers guidance for the future development of the area.
•Understand the effect of the proposed developments on the utility demands.
Staff will conduct interviews and forward a recommended consultant to the city council June 17, with project kickoff slated for June 24. Public engagement on the prospective plan would be held Aug. 23. The final plan would then be in place by the end of January 2025.
