By: Mollee Francisco

A Kohl’s Department Store seems all but a done deal at the future Hazeltine Plaza in northern Chaska. Chaska Investment presented its plan for the shopping center Monday night.

It would be located on 25 acres of land between Hazeltine Boulevard and the existing Chaska Commons on the east side of Highway 41

“We have a letter of intent signed by Kohl’s,” said developer Vasco Bernardi. “But no purchase agreement yet.”

The development would be anchored by Kohl’s, and would include three additional retail spaces and between two and four restaurant pads.

Discussion is ongoing between the city and Chaska Investment as to whether or not there will be a pedestrian tunnel connecting the east and west sides of Highway 41. The Chaska Planning Commission, which recommended approval of the plan last week, and the council both felt the tunnel was integral in providing access to the site. Depending on cost, the city could build the underpass and assess up to $350,000 against Hazeltine Plaza.

Improvements to Hazeltine Boulevard and Hundertmark Road were also approved in conjunction with the development Monday night. The shopping center will have four access points, City Engineer Bill Monk said.

The city will be building $1.66 million in roadway improvements to manage the traffic to the area. Improvements will include the widening of the roadway to accommodate turn lanes and a trail. According to City Administrator David Pokorney, 92 percent of the cost will be passed on to the developer.

The city will hold an informational session for residents in neighborhoods east of the project in the near future, Monk said. Work on the project is expected to start later this year with Kohl’s angling to open by next October.

TELL US: What businesses would you like to see at Hazeltine Plaza?