Affordable housing proposed near Buffalo Hills Park – Brainerd Dispatch

BRAINERD — A proposed land swap could provide Brainerd with more park land and much-needed affordable housing.

City Council members agreed Monday, May 6, to work with Brainerd Public Schools and developers Tapestry Companies on a deal for land in and near Buffalo Hills Park.

In a memo to the city, Tim Trimble of Tapestry Companies said the land would be an ideal location for three housing complexes. It is proposed that one building would contain 60 homes for families, while a second would have 65 homes for seniors. Both facilities would be subject to income restrictions of 50% of the area median income, which is a variety of housing that city staff has confirmed the city needs. All residents are expected to earn 50% or less of the area median income. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the 50% median income for Crow Wing County as of May 1, 2024 was $32,100 for a single person and $45,800 for a family of four.

The land would also allow for the possibility of housing the workforce in the future.

Brainerd Public Schools owns the 20-acre parcel of undeveloped land on the north side of Buffalo Hills Park, but has indicated it has no plans for future use. Tapestry Companies’ proposal calls for the developer to purchase that land from the school district, then exchange about 7.95 acres of the west portion for about 5 acres of the eastern portion of Buffalo Hills Park. In his memo, Trimble indicated that this portion of city land is ideal for development due to its proximity to services and the park, and would allow for easy integration into the neighborhood. Most importantly, he said the land would not require any road or utility extensions that would otherwise add significant cost to the project.

The Brainerd Parks Board reviewed the proposal last month and provided general support. Board member Andrew Shipe and Board President Johnathan Miller both noted that the city needs more housing, and that this proposal would both increase the stock and bring more residents closer together. to take advantage of the amenities.

Council members unanimously agreed to allow city staff to work with the school district and upholstery companies on the exchange.

THERESA BOURKE can be contacted at

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Theresa Bourke started working at the Dispatch in July 2018, covering Brainerd city government and area education, including Brainerd Public Schools and Central Lakes College.