Melrose Council Greenlights Railroad West Apartments, 25 Lots in Three Votes

MELROSE — August 17, 2023 — Melrose City Council unanimously approved three resolutions advancing the Railroad West development, a replat project that will bring 73 apartment units and 25 single-family lots to the city. City Administrator Scott told the council that bids for the associated street and utility work came in at the most competitive prices seen since 2018, with the city expecting a surplus at project completion; a full budget discussion is set for August 24. Development Director Sheila reported that building permits in 2023 have surpassed 200, totaling just over $23 million in valuation, making it the second-highest year in 15 years. The council declined to advance a vacant building registration ordinance, with the Acting Mayor citing constitutional property-rights concerns and directing staff to rely on existing nuisance statutes and informal outreach instead. On cannabis public-use rules, the council voted to wait and see what Stearns County adopts before crafting any local ordinance.