Residents of Shannon Oaks and the surrounding Rochester community learned on September 8th, 2026, about the proposed Shannon Oaks Eighth Major Land Subdivision, located between Shannon Oaks Place NE and Oakview Drive NE.

We recognize that this property may be developed. However, we are deeply concerned that the current preliminary plan could permanently alter the area's natural character without adequately addressing the effects on existing residents and the environment.

The developer has informed residents that nearly all of the existing trees on the site are likely to be removed. The proposal also involves significant road, utility, stormwater, and grading work within the existing valley.

Before this proposal moves forward, residents deserve to understand the full consequences and whether reasonable alternatives could preserve more of this landscape.

We are asking the City of Rochester and the developer to address:

Preservation of the existing tree canopy.
Provide a complete inventory of trees proposed for removal and evaluate reasonable alternatives that preserve significant portions of the existing vegetation.

Protection of the natural valley and topography.
Show residents how grading will change the existing landscape, including existing versus proposed elevations, cut-and-fill quantities, and effects on adjoining properties.

Stormwater and drainage.
Provide the engineering analysis demonstrating how runoff will be managed during construction and after development, including extreme rainfall and emergency overflow conditions.

Construction-related air pollution and dust.
Establish specific measures to minimize fugitive dust, diesel exhaust, soil track-out, and other construction impacts on nearby homes.

Construction noise.
Provide anticipated construction hours, duration, equipment, and measures to minimize prolonged disturbance to neighboring residents.

Traffic and pedestrian safety.
Provide updated documentation supporting traffic assumptions and a construction-traffic plan addressing trucks, neighborhood streets, and pedestrian safety.

Consideration of less-impactful alternatives.
Demonstrate whether alternative layouts have been evaluated that would preserve more of the existing trees, natural valley, and vegetated buffers between new and existing homes.

What we are asking
We respectfully ask the City of Rochester not to approve the current preliminary proposal until these issues have been fully evaluated, publicly presented, and meaningfully addressed.

We support responsible development that recognizes the interests of both future and existing residents and respects the natural characteristics that make this neighborhood special.

Please sign this petition and join us in asking for a better, more thoughtful plan for Shannon Oaks Eighth. *No funds are being requested*