South Metro Scoop

Hastings’ 1,500-Unit Housing Gap and the Development Pipeline

Brady from South Metro Scoop covers Hastings’ housing shortage, citing a city housing needs assessment estimating a deficit of nearly 1,500 units over five years (about 1,000 for-sale homes and about 400 rentals).He recaps updates from the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) meeting and outlines projects in the development pipeline:Pleasant Valley Farms (375 homes on 160 acres north of Hastings High School, extending General Seban Drive to County Road 42, by Tradition as developer, with grading possibly later this year and homes by end of 2027), a new phase at Heritage Ridge (40 units), Sunset Hills Addition (26-unit subdivision north of 15th Street near Seas in the Sunset West neighborhood, early application stage), and Walden at Hastings (details pending, land use applications expected within a couple months).He also notes approval of a 15,000-square-foot climate-controlled storage building near Coburn’s. With confirmed counts, the projects total roughly 670 housing units, making a meaningful dent in the gap. The episode also highlights discussion about potential down payment assistance grants, with Community Development Director noting the CDA typically leads housing programs and already provides some assistance. The 2024 community development report includes 36 single-family permits (42 units total), a low lot inventory that these projects could replenish, $24,000 in facade improvement grants to seven downtown projects leveraging $103,000 in private investment, over 80 business drop-in visits, Music and Markets doubling events and partnering with the downtown concert series, and a zoning code review moving toward public engagement.Brady concludes that Hastings is at a turning point and encourages subscribing to the South Metro Scoop newsletter for ongoing updates.

Scott County Is the 3rd Deadliest County in Minnesota — The Prior Lake Police Chief Went Looking for Drunk Drivers Himself

Minnesota just had its best year for traffic safety in recent memory — a 20% drop in fatalities statewide. But Scott County went in the complete opposite direction, becoming the third deadliest county in the state behind only Hennepin and Ramsey. In this episode we dig into why. We break down what Prior Lake Police Chief Mark Duggan called the iceberg theory of crime — the idea that the 52 DUI arrests his department made last year are just the tiny visible fraction of a much bigger problem. Duggan told the city council the real number of impaired drivers on the road is likely 300 to 400% higher than what officers are catching. And then he proved it by going out on a Friday night in minus-35-degree weather and finding a drunk driver in under 45 minutes. We walk through the anatomy of a single DUI arrest — why it takes 3 to 4 hours of processing and effectively removes an officer from the street for half their shift. We talk about why Officer Amanda Ley's 52 arrests in 2025 is a legitimately incredible number when you understand what each one costs. And we look at the technology the south metro is turning to — license plate readers in Lakeville, a drone-as-first-responder program in Prior Lake — to try to buy back the time officers need to actually hunt for impaired drivers. This one isn't really about traffic tickets. It's about how the official numbers we see on spreadsheets might be a tiny fraction of what's actually happening on our roads — and what that means for anyone driving in Scott County.

How Minnesota Closets Started with One Social Media Post

Ken discusses his unique career transition from recruiting software engineers in Silicon Valley to building custom closets in Minnesota after a period of unemployment. Ken explains the significant impacts on his recruitment business due to COVID-19 and subsequent economic shifts, which led him to temporarily close his recruitment shop in 2022 and ultimately start a custom closet business. He shares the challenges and learning curve associated with his new venture, from his first DIY closet project to launching 'Closets by Ken' and later rebranding to 'Minnesota Closets.' Ken emphasizes a client-focused approach with transparent pricing and no high-pressure sales tactics, aiming to bring calm and organization to clients' lives. He highlights the importance of committing to a new path and learning on the go.  The episode finishes with insights into how listeners can plan and start their own physical product business. Check out Minnesota Closets:https://mnclosets.com/https://www.instagram.com/minnesotaclosets/https://www.facebook.com/minnesotaclosets

Interactive Dog Daycare Coming to Burnsville: Inside Houndstown USA

If you've ever struggled to find boarding for your dog during the holidays or wished there was a better daycare option in the South Metro, this episode is for you. Tony from Houndstown USA joins the podcast to share details about Burnsville's first interactive dog daycare and boarding facility opening this winter. Houndstown isn't your typical doggy daycare—there are no cages, every boarding dog gets full daycare access, and dogs are sorted into balanced "packs" based on size, age, and temperament (not just thrown together in one chaotic room). Tony explains the "interactive daycare" concept, why apartment owners with dogs desperately need this service, and how Houndstown's pack management approach creates a safer, more natural environment for dogs to socialize and play. You'll also learn about the themed suites, spa services (including the blueberry facial for tear stains), and why the facility is designed to let dogs be their most authentic selves. Plus, Tony shares the construction timeline, hiring plans, and how to sign up for opening updates and a free day of daycare. Whether you're a dog owner looking for better boarding options, someone curious about this unique franchise concept, or just love hearing about new local businesses, this conversation covers everything you need to know about Houndstown's arrival in Burnsville. Connect with Houndstown USA Burnsville: * Website: https://houndstownusa.com/locations/burnsville/ [https://houndstownusa.com/locations/burnsville/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houndstownburnsville [https://www.facebook.com/houndstownburnsville] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndstownburnsville/ [https://www.instagram.com/houndstownburnsville/] Sign up on their website for opening announcements and to claim your free day of daycare!

Making Movies in Minnesota: The Family Behind UNCONTAINED + Red Carpet Premiere for Charity

Behind the Scenes of 'Uncontained' with Morley and Nicole NelsonIn this episode of the South Metro Scoop, Brady sits down with Morley and Nicole Nelson, creators of the film 'Uncontained'. They share insights about filming in Dakota County during COVID-19, the challenges and joys of including their family in the project, and the collaborative process behind the scenes. They discuss their inspirations, Morley's filmmaking journey, and the importance of local support for independent films. Additionally, they talk about a charity event for the film's screening at the Eagan Imagine Theater, benefiting Winning Pathways.Get Tickets: https://givebutter.com/c/Ye3k6oMorley's Social Media: http://imdb.me/morleynelson https://www.instagram.com/morley_nelson/ https://www.tiktok.com/@morleymewing UNCONTAINED: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncontained