Harmony Hill Expansion Moves Forward with First Readings for Zoning and Annexation
- Steve Jurrens
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The next phase of the Harmony Hill residential development took a step toward reality as the City Council conducted first readings for two ordinances related to the project. The ordinances seek to annex and zone new land to accommodate “compact” single-family housing.
Community Development Manager Brandi Hanten detailed the two-part request. The first ordinance, 26-01, annexes and zones a 2.8-acre parcel as R1C (Compact Single-Family Residential District). The second, Ordinance 26-02, rezones an adjacent 7-acre tract from agricultural to the same R1C designation.
Councilman Lynn Jurrens questioned whether the project was part of the city’s push for affordable housing. Hanten clarified the terminology: “Maybe the word’s not affordable anymore. Workforce housing... Compact housing.” She explained that the R1C designation allows for smaller lot sizes, which helps in cutting overall development costs.
The discussion also touched on future density in the region. Councilman Dan Schutte raised concerns about the overall concept plan for the area, noting that land adjacent to the proposed R1C lots is currently approved for R3 (multi-family residential).
“Theoretically, we could have an R3, a 55-foot story building right in the backyard of these particular homes then. Is that possible?” Schutte asked.
Hanten confirmed it was possible but noted that transitional zoning would be considered in future phases.
Councilman Michael Heuer emphasized the need for transparency: “We don’t want folks going into that R1 having buyer’s remorse when an apartment building goes right next to them... and it doesn’t pan out how they maybe thought it was going to be.”
No formal action was required for these first readings. The ordinances will return for a second reading and, if approved, final action on March 16, 2026.
