A packed Stillwater council chamber watched a major townhome proposal hit a red light this week, as the City Council split 2-2 on a 108-unit development called Brixton and kicked the decision to a special meeting on May 5.
The project, planned for the southeast corner of Manning Avenue and 80th Street North, drew a crowd of neighbors worried about traffic, school-bus turning, and the lack of sidewalks around the site. Councilmembers and the developer agreed to tweak the design and add extra buffering, but the tie vote kept Brixton from moving forward, at least for now.
Council Vote And Schedule
According to the Pioneer Press, the council deadlocked 2-2 on a motion to approve a planned-unit development and preliminary plat for the townhome community, which was not enough to secure approval. Councilmember Lindsay Belland was absent, leaving only four members to vote.
With no clear majority, the developer asked for time to refine the application. The council agreed and set a special meeting for May 5 to review updated plans and take another vote on the project.
Developer Plan And Site Features
Magellan Land Development, working with Pulte Homes, is pitching Brixton as a for-sale townhome neighborhood built with two-story buildings containing four to six units apiece. The homes would be clustered around shared open space and stormwater features rather than individual single-family lots.
Planning materials highlight landscaping, internal green space, and a trail connection out to Manning Avenue as key design elements. The Development Tracker notes Magellan and Pulte as partners on the project and places the future community at the corner of Manning and 80th Street North.
Neighbors Say Events And Traffic Could Suffer
Nearby business owners, including Kelsey and Logan Martin of Trellis Weddings just east of the site, told the council they worry that both construction and the size of the development could disrupt their seasonal event business and scare off future clients.
Mayor Ted Kozlowski told reporters that the developer agreed to address some of those fears. As part of the revisions, the setback next to Trellis would grow from about 30 feet to roughly 52 feet, with added vegetative screening to soften the view. Noisy work would be limited to, including ending early on Fridays and skipping Saturdays in 2026.
Residents also flagged concerns about more traffic on 80th Street North and how easily school buses would be able to maneuver in the area. Those transportation worries were among the factors that pushed councilmembers to hold off on a final vote, according to the Pioneer Press.
What Happens Next
The tie vote means Magellan and Pulte will be back before the Stillwater City Council at the May 5 special session, where officials are expected to review updated plans for the preliminary plat and planned-unit development.
Residents who want to weigh in can find meeting details and public comment instructions on the city's public hearings page. The City of Stillwater public hearings listing notes that the city clerk can accept written comments, and council meetings are streamed live for anyone who cannot make it to City Hall in person.
