Saint Paul Planning Commission Meeting - October 27, 2023

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on October 27, 2023, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. (agenda time) at City Hall Conference Center Room 40, 15 Kellogg Boulevard West. Key actions included swearing in a new commissioner, approving minutes, hearing a presentation on Rethinking I-94, and forwarding a micro-units ordinance to the City Council.

Swearing-In and Introductions

• Commissioner Jacy Johnson Becker was sworn in to represent Ward 1. She was recommended to the commission after involvement with the Business Review Council.
• The commission introduced themselves and identified their wards.

Approval of Minutes

• Minutes from the October 13, 2023 meeting were approved with a motion by Commissioner Holtz, seconded by Commissioner Hagman, with a unanimous voice vote (no opposition). A correction to the date was noted.

Chair’s Announcements

• Chair Rangel Morales announced he is expecting a baby in late December and that he and his partner recently purchased a home in Hastings. He stated that he will be transitioning off the Planning Commission over the next few weeks, with Commissioner Grill stepping into the role. He expressed gratitude for the work of the commission.

Planning Director’s Announcements

• Director Pereira (no formal announcements) acknowledged the Chair’s contributions and recognized Haley from the youth on boards initiative, noting that Commissioner Johnson Becker is part of that broader initiative.

Zoning Committee

• No items were reported by the Zoning Committee.

Transportation Committee – Rethinking I-94 Presentation

• Melissa Barnes (MnDOT Project Director) and Renee Redens (Communications and Engagement) presented the Rethinking I-94 project. Key points included:
  • Project purpose: improve mobility along/across I-94, address aging infrastructure, support regional plans.
  • Livability framework: connections, public health, environment, economics, sense of place, safety, equity.
  • Timeline: 2015 Rondo healing ceremony; 2016-2018 listening; 2018 began NEPA process; 2023 released 10 alternatives; scoping decision document expected summer/fall 2024; tier one approval December 2027; construction 2028 or later.
  • Alternatives include: No Build/Maintenance (A and B), At-Grade A and B (fill trench, 2 lanes each direction, ~35 mph, BRT), Local-Regional (limited access), Reduced Freeway A (3 lanes with managed lane), Reconfigured Freeway A (3 GP + managed lane), Expanded Freeway A (3-4 lanes + managed lane), Expanded Freeway B (adds GP lanes, bus on shoulder).
  • Survey open until October 31, 2023 (or November 1 at 7 a.m.), available online; feedback will inform whether alternatives need adjustment.
  • Public engagement spanned numerous community groups, including We Connect Rondo, St. Anthony Park Community Council, Union Park District Council, and the St. Paul Climate Justice Board.
  • Rail alternatives were considered but not advanced due to the Green Line's proximity (expected ridership: 6,900 on I-94 vs. ~60,000 on the Green Line).
  • No preferred alternative has been identified; the process is collaborative, with the MnDOT Commissioner making final decisions after input.

Questions & Discussion (I-94)

• Commissioner asked about retaining wall alternatives; staff clarified they illustrate potential land bridge or cap scenarios.
• Staff addressed questions on transit lane placement (outboard vs. inboard), potential right-of-way acquisition (no desire to take more land), outreach to non-English speaking communities (survey available in multiple languages, interpreters at events, but more work needed), the 7.5-mile project length (truncated in 2019 due to complex downtown interchanges), funding sources (federal, state, local, not yet considered), infrastructure below the highway (deep utilities, drainage concerns), and the timeline for alternative evaluation (spring 2024 public comment period).
• Staff noted that public input through the survey is the best immediate action.

Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee

• Commissioner Host reported:
  • Micro-units dwellings as accessory use to religious institutions: The committee reviewed updated language (reorganized for clarity, no substantive changes). Commissioner Host moved to approve and forward to the City Council, seconded by Commissioner Presley. The motion passed unanimously (no opposition).
  • Electric vehicle (EV) parking requirements for service parking lots: The committee discussed recommending EV charging infrastructure for new or reconstructed lots; details to be brought to a future meeting.

Communications-Nomination Committee

• Commissioner Thomas reported the committee did not meet.

Task Force/Liaison Reports

• No reports were given.

Old Business / New Business / Additional Discussion

• Commissioner Presley raised awareness about the Sears (Sears) site in Saint Paul, noting ongoing outreach and a biweekly Zoom update that commissioners could join.
• Planning Director Pereira provided background on the Sears site: the City and Capital Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAP) are working with the ownership group; the City seeks a holistic master plan approach. Recent state appropriations for the surrounding area include infrastructure and capital mall redesign.
• Commissioner Ortega asked about the state's plans to replace a park near the Sears site (for state office expansion) and the demolition of the Ford Building. Director Pereira noted plans are being explored to replace the parkland nearby, and the demo permit for the Ford Building would go through the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI), though the heritage preservation supervisor does not consider it significant.
• Director Pereira also mentioned state funding to redesign Rice Street as a community-focused street, overlapping with the Sears site and transportation planning.

Key Outcomes

• Jacy Johnson Becker was sworn in as Commissioner for Ward 1.
• Minutes from October 13, 2023 were approved.
• Micro-units dwellings ordinance was approved by the Planning Commission and will be forwarded to the City Council.
• The commission received a presentation on Rethinking I-94 and provided feedback; no formal action was taken.
• The Chair announced his upcoming departure; transition plans with Commissioner Grill are to be arranged.
• The next Transportation Committee meeting (October 30, 2023) will include a presentation on Safe Routes to School.

Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as October 27, 2023, but the transcript is dated October 18, 2023; the summary uses the agenda date as the meeting date.