Star Tribune from Minneapolis, Minnesota • Page W1

RWBGY X1234567 ByBEN STEVERMAN The fate of northwest Plymouth could be decided Tuesday by the Plymouth City Council. Theland, 3.7squaremiles of farms offlim- its to suburban-style development. Butthat couldchangeina few years, andPlymouthisdiscussingjust what kind of development should be allowed. The council must negotiate between longtime landowners who want higher-density development, which could help their property values, and others, who worry about congestion and traffic from too many new residents. A map drawn by the City Council last week lays out exactly what kind of development would be allowed where.

The council could adopt the plan Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 3400PlymouthBlvd. Development of northwest Plymouth has been a subject of discussion for months during several public meetings. At least six maps have beenproposed. City officialshavemadeclearthat they will stick to a few basic principles.

First, development will be allowed to proceed slowly. Landowners who want to remain on their large lots have to pay for new amenities like roads and sewers. Also, the city will not permit development of valuable natural areas such as wetlands. City officials also know that the Metropolitan Council will require a certain level of density in the area, a minimum of about three units peracre. NEWS FROM THE WESTERN TWIN CITIES SUBURBS STARTRIBUNE.COM/LOCAL SECTION west WEDNESDAY JUNE 21, 2006 Plymouth continues: Twin Cities expects 1 million newcomers.

W12 Plymouth mayopen ruralarea tobuilding Howmanynewhomesshould beallowedinruralnorthwest week. ONAN OBSERVATORY The Minnesota Astronomical Society holds monthly public stargazing events at Onan Observatory at Baylor Regional Park. In case of cloudy skies, volunteers will put on an astronomy demonstration. Upcoming dates are at 7 p.m. on July 14 and 15, Aug.

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