The original item was published from January 17, 2023 2:09 PM to February 6, 2023 3:28 PM
Although it may be winter, there is still activity occurring at The Pointes! 
Private contractors continue to remove material from what will be the central lake feature. It is expected that their work will allow for the full removal of material in the rough shape of the lake by late 2023.
On-Site Activity
The City is continuing to work with excavation contractors to remove material from the center of The Pointes, creating the lake feature that will be at the heart of the area. It is hoped that all three nodes of the lake will be formed by fall of 2023.
Master Plan for The Pointes’ Park & Open Space Adopted
In September of 2022 the Monticello City Council adopted the Master Plan for The Pointes. The Master Plan illustrates the full vision for the public spaces in the project area. The plan shows the central lake, its surrounding trail system, and a range of public amenities for the community. These public amenities are sprinkled throughout the three biomes – Populus (north), Tilia (central), Quercus (south). The Master Plan now serves as the foundation for the development of plans and specifications for the actual construction of the public spaces at The Pointes.
With this guide in place, the Council has directed the development of plans for the first phase of construction at The Pointes. The plans are to include completion of the final shape and size of the southern node of the central lake, and a looped gravel trail around the southern node. Prairie landscaping plantings are also included, consistent with the “Quercus” or oak savannah biome for this node. Those looking for parks spaces at The Pointes will be excited to learn that the plans will also lay out the first set of park improvements, which will occur on the west side of the Tilia biome.
Once the plans and specifications for this set of improvements is completed in 2023, City Council will determine a budget and construction schedule. Please continue to watch the Pointes at Cedar project page for more information as the project takes shape.
Compass Committee
The Pointes Master Plan for the park and open spaces evolved from an engagement process which ran from November of 2021 through August 2022. A volunteer Compass Committee, including representatives from the Council, Planning Commission, Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC), and community at large, was engaged to provide guidance throughout the Master Plan’s development. In addition, numerous in person and online activities occurred during that time to gather additional input from the larger Monticello community.
The Compass Committee helped to guide the vision for the public spaces at the center of The Pointes. Their work was instrumental in gathering additional public input and helping to refine the ideas for how The Pointes can be a truly distinctive Monticello asset. Many thanks to the dedicated community members who served on the Compass Committee!
Zoning Standards in Place for The Pointes
The Pointes at Cedar District (PCD) zoning code is now in place for the 100-acre area. The City Council adopted the new zoning district for The Pointes in April of 2022. The PCD zoning district establishes a consistent framework for applying the City’s goals for this area. The PCD zoning ordinance encourages development uses and design that compliments the public spaces at The Pointes. The PCD provides specific development standards for each of The Pointes at Cedar’s three distinct biomes, from building architecture to landscaping. Click here to view The Pointes at Cedar zoning district map.
What’s Next for The Pointes?
The City Council has asked that staff and the current project consultant begin working on the plans and specifications for the completion of the final shape and size of the southern node of the central lake. Also included in the plans will be a gravel trail around the southern node, along with important landscaping components. In addition, Council asked for plans for the first set of park improvements, which will occur on the west side of the Tilia biome. Once plans and specifications for this set of improvements is completed, the City Council will determine a budget and construction schedule.