Watertown City Council Approves 40 New Residential Lots in Harmony Hill Expansion

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved a plat resolution and development agreement for the fourth edition of Harmony Hill, paving the way for 40 new residential lots on the city's south side.

Community Development Manager Brandy Hanten presented the resolution during the council's latest meeting, confirming the plat includes 40 R1C residential lots. Hanten also confirmed for Councilman Heuer that the entire development lies outside the floodplain.

Mayor Ried Holien praised the ongoing expansion, noting the project's significance to the local housing market and the broader Codington County economy.

"All too often we don't talk about the good things that are happening and this is fantastic," Mayor Holien said. "There's growth literally going on in all four directions in Watertown and this project is incredibly exciting, and the amount of accomplishments that they've already finished out there is staggering and where they want to go before it's all done is transformative for the community."

Mayor Holien thanked the developers and everyone involved, adding that the continued progress in the southern part of Watertown

"really should get more attention because it is fantastic what's going on."

Councilman Jurrens echoed the mayor's sentiment, calling the expansion "responsible growth" for Watertown.

Innovative Infrastructure to Lower Housing Costs

City Manager Alan Stager noted that the city engineering staff worked closely with the Harmony Hill developers to adjust traditional infrastructure standards for the elevated site to lower overall construction costs.

Instead of standard 6-inch or 8-inch high concrete curbs, the Harmony Hill fourth edition will utilize "rollover" or "drive-over" curbs. Because the development sits at the top of a hill, Stager explained that traditional street water conveyance is not required to manage runoff.

"Engineering staff was able to look at this and make that accommodation for the developer," Stager said. "That just shows how we are actively engaged with developers at each stage of the project to try to get to affordable lots that accommodate our goal of having more affordable housing in the community."

The resolution and associated development agreement passed unanimously following a motion by Councilman Allen and a second by Councilman Heuer.