Next phase of development of diocesan property planned

New Ulm - Bishop John C. Nienstedt has approved a develop-ment plan for 16.73 acres of the property adjacent to the Pastoral Center in New Ulm. This development will be the newest phase of a project that was initiated in the year 2000. A fifteen acre subdivision, called Oak Bluffs First Addition, was platted and zoned, and utilities and road grading were completed in the late fall. The subdivision consisted of thirty lots, twenty-six single residence lots and four single-family or two-family lots. All of the lots were sold by fall of 2002. Sidewalks, street-paving and lighting were added in the summer of 2003.

The original ninety-five acre parcel of land was purchased by the diocese in 1965 as a potential site for a seminary and a new cathedral. Those plans never materialized. In the meantime, the land was leased for crop farming. It is the official policy of the Diocese of New Ulm to sell any land or properties that will not be used for diocesan purposes. Proceeds from the lot sales are being retained presently to fund future development of the property.

The newest phase of development, called Oak Bluffs Fourth Addition, borders on the bluff overlooking the city of New Ulm to the northeast, North Highland Avenue to the southwest, and includes 9th North and 10th North Streets. The addition will consist of thirty-seven lots, thirty-three for single residences and four for single-family or two-family use. The proposal includes the naming of the street along the bluff as "Bishop Lucker Lane." The street would honor the name of the late bishop who began to develop the property shortly before his death.

The proposal was drafted by Bishop Nienstedt in consultation with the diocesan Property Committee, a sub-committee of the Finance Council. The Committee is made up of members who are skilled in the fields of construction, finance, law, real estate, and church properties. Bolton & Menk, Incorporated of Sleepy Eye was selected as the consulting engineers and surveyors.

The New Ulm Planning and Zoning Committee approved the plat, rezoning and variances at its meeting on January 29. The New Ulm City Council will hold a hearing on the final plat and cast a vote for approval this month. The development plan suggests that utility installation and street grading could be completed before September 30, 2004.