The Hastings City Council has approved a joint resolution with Nininger Township that could bring one of the largest residential developments in recent years to the city’s west side.
Council members approved an orderly annexation agreement Monday night covering approximately 166 acres of largely agricultural land owned by Conzemius Family Limited Partnership. The property is located between Featherstone Road (140th Street East) and County Road 42 along the Hastings-Nininger Township boundary. The agreement establishes the framework for annexing the property into the city once it is sold and transferred for development.
According to Community Development Director John Hinzman, the annexation agreement is designed to facilitate future development while providing certainty for both the city and township.
“Upon approval and sale of the subject property for development, the land would transfer from Township to City jurisdiction,” Hinzman wrote in his report to the council. The agreement was developed jointly with Nininger Township and was approved by the township board in May.
The annexation area encompasses several parcels totaling roughly 166 acres. Most of the land is currently in agricultural use and is situated directly west of existing Hastings neighborhoods and north of Hastings High School.
The annexation agreement is closely tied to a proposed residential development known as Pleasant Valley Farms.
According to Hinzman's report, Tradition Development of Lakeville is proposing construction of approximately 400 housing units on the site. The project would consist primarily of single-family homes, with a portion of the development dedicated to townhomes.
The concept plan presented to the council shows a mix of housing types designed to accommodate a variety of residents and price points. The proposal includes detached single-family homes, villa-style homes and townhomes, along with extensive open space and recreational amenities.
A major transportation improvement included in the proposal would extend General Sieben Drive from its current terminus at Featherstone Road north to County Road 42 at Lock Boulevard. The extension would create a new north-south connection on the city’s west side and improve access throughout the developing area.
The development plan also includes a public park along the western edge of the property, as well as an interconnected network of trails and sidewalks intended to link neighborhoods and recreational areas. A private homeowners association amenity area is planned near the southern portion of the development and would be maintained by residents rather than the city.
Hinzman noted that Tradition Development has completed numerous residential projects throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area and has established a track record of successfully developing large residential neighborhoods.

Annexation Delayed Until Development Occurs
One key provision of the agreement is that annexation will not occur immediately.
At the request of property owners, the resolution was modified to clarify that annexation will only take place once ownership of the land has been transferred for development. This change ensures the property remains within Nininger Township until development plans move forward.
The agreement further specifies that final annexation must receive approval from the Minnesota Municipal Boundary Adjustment Unit within the Office of Administrative Hearings.
The orderly annexation agreement also limits its scope to the designated 166-acre property. Any future annexation requests involving adjacent land would require separate action by both jurisdictions.

Cemetery and Homestead Included
The annexation area includes Oakwood Cemetery and the Gail Conzemius-Thomas Lewanski homestead at 10979 140th Street East. While neither property is expected to undergo development, both were included in the agreement to avoid creating isolated township parcels completely surrounded by city territory.
“No changes to either property is contemplated,” Hinzman stated in his memorandum.
To ease the financial impact on the homestead property owner, city taxes for the Lewanski parcel will be phased in over four years following annexation.
The agreement also requires Hastings to reimburse Nininger Township following annexation. The city will pay the township an amount equal to twice the township taxes collected from the annexed land during the year preceding annexation. The payment will be made over two years and represents the township’s sole compensation related to the annexation.
Although the annexation agreement marks an important milestone, several major approvals remain before construction can begin.
Because of the size of the project, the development will require completion of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), a state-mandated review process intended to evaluate environmental impacts and determine whether a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement is necessary. Hinzman emphasized that the EAW is designed to provide information and guide decision-making rather than approve or deny a project.
A neighborhood meeting will also be required, giving nearby residents an opportunity to review plans and provide feedback before formal development applications are submitted. Property owners within 350 feet of the site will receive invitations to participate.
Additional approvals will include amendments to the city’s comprehensive plan, expansion of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area boundary to allow municipal water and sewer service, rezoning of the property from agricultural use, and approval of preliminary and final plats.