Newport Minnesota could soon be getting some more new housing.
Fresh off the Council approving Red Rock III at the July 17 Council meeting, the Newport Plan Commission heard a proposal for new houses August 12, this one a 71 to 75 unit single family home development off Bailey Road between Hastings Avenue and Sterling Street.
Assembled from three separate land parcels, the new neighborhood would have a gross site area of 45.9 acres, with net developable area being 28.9 acres. Bluffs would take up 14.8 acres with ponding and open space comprising the other 22.0 acres. The site is subject to bluff protection regulations with the current Comprehensive Plan designating Mixed Residential, with site zoning for Residential Estate. A Comprehensive Plan Amendment to redesignate the area for low-density residential uses is necessary if the project is to move forward. Surrounding home uses include single-family lots to the north, light industrial to the east, a city public works facility to the south, and !-494 corridor to the west. The larger site also abuts the Red Rock Cemetery to the west, located between 1-494 and the proposed new neighborhood. Red Rock Cemetery was created in 1848 on land donated by John Holton, the first settler. The area directly east of the cemetery would be open space, a road extension and stormwater pond located further upslope.
The plan as presented for new homes includes an access point from Sterling Street with road continuation to Hastings Avenue. No access would be allowed from Bailey Road, the Hastings Avenue connection necessary for EMS. Should the comprehensive plan amendment be approved Summergate would then submit a PUD/Preliminary Plat for Newport’s consideration, with plans for a Spring 2026 construction start date.