THE CHANGING FACE OF VICTORIA
PROJECTED TO HAVE THE GREATEST GROWTH
John Sullivan and Jay Thompson from the Carver County Community De-velopment Agency (formerly the HRA) spoke at the July 26^th Victoria City Coun-cil meeting about demographic and hous-ing findings for the City of Victoria.
Mr. Sullivan reported that a housing study was done for every city in Carver County.
"Victoria is projected to have the greatest growth in the county," said Mr. Thompson as he referred to the continuing planned annexation of Laketown Town-ship property to the City of Victoria, and its subsequent development.
"You are projected to have 28,000 people in the year 2030 and 8,800 more households," he said.  "Today you have 1,300 households."
"Single family homes will account for most of your growth," he said.  "You will add 5,000 new single family homes plus townhomes and condominium units ... The average price of a home being built in Victoria today is $600,000.  Average in the metro area is $225,000."
"Your rental density is projected to grow by 200 units to the year 2015," he said.  "Your senior housing was 266 in the year 2000.  It is projected to be 675 in 2010, growing substantially by 2030.
"There will be a greater demand after 2015 for assisted living and memory care," continued Mr. Thompson.  "And there is always a possibility that a devel-oper from out of town will come in and build something that will attract people from a much larger area outside of Vic-toria."
Councilmember Jim Paulsen stated, "I'd welcome the participation of the county to help identify strategic land par-cels.  Come west!"
Replied Mr. Sullivan, "We are ex-tremely interested in doing senior housing in Victoria."

MORE VICTORIA NEWS FROM JULY
HOLLY BRINGS IN MORE GRANT MONEY
*Under the leadership of Planner Holly Kreft, the City of Victoria applied for and received a grant of $20,000 from the Metropolitan Council which will be used to help offset costs associated with the transportation element of the Comp Plan required of Victoria.  Cost to the city for the transportation part of the study is now $11,800 rather than $31,800.
*Planner Holly Kreft was thanked by Council on July 26^th for a successful grant application of $65,817 from Blue Cross-Blue Shield to update the city's Compre-hensive Plan, incorporating active living principles.  Stated Jim Paulsen, "This is a terrific thing for the city."
*In addition to the city-owned 13.5 acres of Swap Land adjacent to the west side of the downtown business district, the City of Victoria also owns three parcels in the current downtown business district including the Old Cafe parcel on Main Street and two Old Houses on Quamoclit Street across from the bank.  The city paid over a half million dollars, total, to ac-quire these three properties over the past years.  For Sale signage has been placed at these properties as directed by Council.
*Scott Schmitt and Clearwater Development will "spend a little time" with city staff to project how the develop-ment of 20 acres on the north side of Schutz Lake at Hwy 7 (the Swain proper-ty) will fit in with future development in the area.  As Jim Paulsen said on July 26^th, "I am reluctant to go forward until I see an ultimate plan for that area, a city plan, how we'll deal with things as a whole.  We need to get some neighbor-hood involvement.  This is touchy stuff."
*Council authorized staff to move forward on July 26^th regarding the request for the City of Victoria to provide sewer and water utilities to the Ridgeview Hos-pice Center which is proposed to be con-structed on nearby property located in Chaska city limits, on the east side of County Road 11 at Shady Oak Road.  TKDA, the Victoria city engineering firm, will not spend more than $1,500 to perform some of the upfront work for Ridgeview.
*Council authorized a speed study, at a cost not to exceed $500, for Narcissus Street as requested by resident Scott Manion who presented a petition with 23 signatures on July 26^th.
*Council accepted the donation of $1,775 from MN Valley Electric Cooperative to the Victoria Fire Depart-ment for the purchase of a Rescue Randy
*Council approved the license agree-ment with Victoria Vics Manager Mike Poppitz for volunteer work at Lions Park baseball and softball fields.  This agree-ment indemnifies the city from liability issues should they arise.
*Council approved an expenditure of $2,143 from the Lions Charitable Gam-bling to install a hood on the backstop of Lions Softball Field #2.  It can otherwise be dangerous to have foul balls flying overhead, said Kristy.
*Council approved a quote for the amount of $15,900 from Midwest Asphalt to remove the tennis courts and fence at Kirke-Lachen, replace with fill, and con-struct a loop of bituminous trail through the park.
*Council approved resurfacing of the basketball court at Lions Park and accept-ed a quote from McBroom for $3,990.
*Council granted a minor subdivision to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church on Hwy 5 at the eastern edge of Victoria.  It splits the parsonage from the church prop-erty.  Stated Pastor Bill Monday, "It's been a pleasant experience working with the City of Victoria.  My family and I ap-preciate the congregation allowing us to see if we could purchase the property."

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