South Dakota Record
Spearfish
High PriorityDevelopmentopen

Peaceful Pines at Elkhorn Ridge development agreement

Summary

About 25 acres of new housing east of the existing Peaceful Pines Senior Living — townhomes, single-family lots, and a 98-unit apartment building. It advances to City Council with a development agreement covering phasing and parks.

At a glance

Total mentions
7
Last 30 days
0

Last discussed May 18, 2026.

Impact analysis

💰Financial impact

New sewer allocation purchases from Elkhorn Ridge and public infrastructure construction will be covered by the developer under a development agreement.

✅Who benefits

Future renters and homebuyers get new housing options in a growing corridor.

⚠️Who could be affected

Residents who question whether the rents will actually be affordable to local workers, and overlapping taxing entities during the TIF period.

Mentions & discussions (7)

MeetingMay 18, 2026approved

City Council - May 18, 2026

The city finalized its deal with the developer of a 28-acre, 60-lot plus 98-unit project near Exit 17, including an $58,000 city cost share to widen the St. Onge Road path to 10 feet. Residents questioned park land dedication and whether TIF 10 dollars double-cover the rec path.

MeetingMay 13, 2026

City Council - May 13, 2026

The final buildout of Elkhorn Ridge includes utilities, roads, stormwater, a developer-owned park plan and a third-of-a-mile recreation path. Staff wants the city to pay about $58,000 (20%) to widen the path to 10 feet to match regional trail standards.

MeetingMay 4, 2026

City Council - May 4, 2026

The council created a new TIF district and approved a plan letting the developer recoup up to $2,051,432 for a 98-unit apartment project, with rents capped for ten years. Critics say the state's income math makes the 'affordable' rents unaffordable for many Spearfish locals.

MeetingMar 16, 2026approved

City Council - Mar 16, 2026

The developer of a 94-unit apartment complex at Peaceful Pines can now build roads, utilities, and the apartments at the same time — saving money and getting rentals ready sooner. No one moves in until the city accepts the infrastructure, and a 120% bond backs the work.

MeetingFeb 25, 2026

City Council - Feb 25, 2026

A big addition near Elkhorn Ridge — 98 apartments, 54 townhomes, 10 single-family lots — goes to public hearing Monday. Streets will be dedicated to the city; a park area with a dog park stays under private easement maintenance.

MeetingFeb 17, 2026approved

Planning Commission - Feb 17, 2026

About 25 acres of new housing east of the existing Peaceful Pines Senior Living — townhomes, single-family lots, and a 98-unit apartment building. It advances to City Council with a development agreement covering phasing and parks.

MeetingFeb 3, 2026approved

Planning Commission - Feb 3, 2026

A 98-unit apartment building plus townhome and single-family lots near St. Onge Road and Highway 85. Traffic on two-lane St. Onge Road and missing bike/ped connections to downtown are open concerns; a roundabout project at the Highway 85 intersection is expected in 2027.

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