AUBURN – The Auburn City Council approved the final plat of the Westgate Addition and will move forward with construction of street, storm sewer and electrical infrastructure.

Isaac Kreikemeyer of JEO Consulting said dirtwork and utilities could begin shortly after a July bid opening. The project is expected in two phases divided by a waterway in the center. Kreikemeyer does not expect delays in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits, but said tree removal will have to be coordinated with timelines stated in the endangered species act. Less than .05 acres of wetlands are impacted and 80 percent of the existing trees will remain.

The city purchased 35 acres on the western edge of town last spring with Mayor Chris Erickson saying the city needs more housing and the Westgate Addition already has utilities nearby. The city used $300,000 to $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help finance the land purchase.

The $3 million project is proposed to construct workforce housing on 36 residential lots.

House construction could begin in the fall of 2025.