Richfield Blasted in Minnetonka Lot Size Dispute

A zoning dispute in Minnetonka has some residents trashing the quality of homes in other Minneapolis suburbs—including Richfield—according to our sister site Minnetonka Patch. Instead, we want to know what you like most about our fair city. What brought you here and what keeps you here?

Minnetonka is looking for the best way to accommodate new housing trends and changing demographics—and that means ensuring people want to move into local homes as existing residents leave. Between 2010 and 2030, forecasters expect about two-thirds of homebuyers to be looking to downsize. Aging baby boomers will be looking for smaller homes that are easier to manage in their golden years, while young families can have a hard time affording Minnetonka’s bigger homes.

With 58 percent of the lots bigger than 22,000 square feet, or about half an acre, the city is examining ways to welcome denser developments. Community Development Director Julie Wischnack suggested a special type of residential zoning that would allow the city to approve smaller lots provided the development brought certain valuable improvements to the city.

But Minnetonka Patch readers were skeptical. Here’s what they had to say:

Steven

• OK you social-engineering Nazis, if you want to live in a crappy little house with a crappy little yard go live in Richfield or St. Louis Park. Quit bashing the law abiding citizens of Minnetonka.

Melanie Lundheim

• The homes in Lone Lake Highlands are practically on top of one another.

Melissa Miller Block

• No. Large lots with mature trees are one reason people want to move to Minnetonka. If we become just like many other suburbs then people will choose those other suburbs. Minnetonka has been living on its old reputation for too long. Be careful, people may actually find out that Minnetonka doesn't really have anything unique. Maybe the largest number of banks, but I don't think that's on anyone's wish list when looking for a home.