The Verona Common Council voted Nov. 24 to authorize staff to open contract negotiations with Cascade Development on the Range Trail request for proposals.

Councilors heard an attorney’s explanation that any offer to purchase would be contingent on municipal approvals — including zoning and density decisions — and therefore the body should avoid debating specific density or zoning outcomes in open-session discussion. City staff and the planning representative noted both proposers supplied multiple concepts and showed flexibility on density, transition measures and commercial components.

Several councilors voiced preferences in open session. A number of members said they favored Cascade’s layout and its emphasis on transition and commercial space, while one alder said Fiduciary’s higher projected payment made that proposal attractive. After discussion, Ald. Lytle moved and Ald. Weiss seconded a motion directing staff to begin negotiations with Cascade Development; the motion passed 6–1 with Ald. Swanson recorded as the lone no vote.

The council did not make zoning or density determinations at the meeting. Staff said an offer to purchase would return to the council and that details such as purchase price would be tied to tiers based on approved densities and other negotiated terms.

What happens next: Staff will enter negotiations with Cascade Development and any resulting offer to purchase will be brought back to the council; zoning and density decisions would be subject to the formal application and public hearing process.