St. Paul Planning Commission Meeting – December 13, 2024

The St. Paul Planning Commission held its final meeting of 2024 on December 13, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The commission approved minutes from the November 15 meeting, received chair and director announcements, and addressed several zoning items, including a contentious review of a conditional use permit for the University of St. Thomas, a nonconforming use reestablishment, and two Macalester College proposals. A key vote on the St. Thomas driveway condition passed 7–6 (with one abstention), and the remaining zoning items were approved unanimously.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the November 15, 2024 Planning Commission meeting were approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Holtz, seconded by Commissioner Syed).

Chair and Director Announcements

• Chair Kristine Grill thanked commissioners for their work during the year, noting challenging and contentious cases.
• Planning Director Yasmine Robinson echoed the thanks, highlighted the importance of the commission’s work, and announced that the next Planning Commission meeting would be on January 10, 2025. The 2025 calendar had been distributed.

Discussion Items

University of St. Thomas – Review of CUP (Condition 16 – Goodrich Avenue Access Drive)

• Background: The University of St. Thomas held a 2004 conditional use permit with condition 16 requiring removal of a loading drive between Goodrich Avenue and the BINS Refectory upon remodeling of BINS or Grace Hall. A 2024 remodeling of BINS triggered the condition, but the driveway was not removed. The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) issued a violation notice, which was not appealed.
• Zoning Committee Recommendation: The committee recommended modifying condition 16 to allow the driveway to remain for limited uses (deliveries, maintenance, emergency vehicles) and permit current use for up to two years during construction of a multipurpose arena. The committee voted 2–2 (with one abstention) to advance this recommendation.
• Commission Debate: Several commissioners expressed concerns. Commissioner Taghioff argued that the original settlement intent was to remove the driveway upon major reinvestment, which is now occurring with the arena construction. Commissioner Ortega questioned the university’s compliance history. Commissioner Riley noted that the driveway is not connected to internal circulation and that emergency access can be provided elsewhere. Commissioner Starling supported the original condition, calling it necessary and reasonable. Commissioner Martinson supported the committee’s modified version.
• First Vote: The committee’s recommendation failed on a roll call vote (Commissioners Risberg, Ochoa, Holtz, Holmes, Johnson Becker, Kadar, Ortega, Riley, Taghioff voted no; Martinson, Starling, Syed voted yes; Hood abstained; tally: 3 yes, 9 no, 1 abstain).
• New Motion: Commissioner Taghioff moved to retain the original condition 16 as written, with the effect that the driveway must be removed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Risberg. The commission discussed findings and legal basis under zoning code §61.108, concluding that the condition is necessary, reasonable, and possible.
• Second Vote: The motion to retain the original condition passed 7–6 (with one abstention). Commissioners in favor: Risberg, Holtz, Hood, Holmes, Johnson Becker, Kadar, Ortega, Riley, Thomas? (The transcript shows “yay seven” but the roll call list is inconsistent; the final count was 7 in favor, 6 opposed, 1 abstention, based on the Chair’s announcement.)
• Outcome: DSI will enforce removal of the driveway and report back to the commission on the timeline.

637-639 Ohio Street – Reestablishment of Nonconforming Use (Dance Studio)

• The property, a former church, had been used as a dance studio for 20 years but was vacant for about a year due to a change in ownership and COVID-19. The applicant sought to reestablish the nonconforming use. The zoning committee unanimously recommended approval.
• The commission approved the motion unanimously by voice vote.

Macalester College – Rezoning (T2 to RM1 & VP) and CUP (Campus Boundary Expansion and Setback Modification)

• Rezoning: To allow construction of a student welcome center and coffee shop on the north side of Grand Avenue, the college proposed rezoning parcels from T2 (traditional neighborhood) to RM1 (multiple family) and VP (vehicle parking). The VP lot would replace parking lost to construction and serve adjacent businesses. The zoning committee unanimously recommended approval.
• CUP: The college sought to expand the campus boundary to include the rezoned parcels and to modify front yard setbacks along Grand Avenue from 50 feet to 0–10 feet.
• Discussion: Commissioner Riley asked about deconstruction of three houses on the VP site. The college indicated they would salvage materials. Commissioner Ortega noted the houses are already owned by the college and used as offices. The committee’s recommendations were adopted.
• Votes: Both the rezoning and the CUP passed unanimously by voice vote.

Committee Reports

• Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: No meeting held; no report.
• Transportation Committee (Commissioner Risberg): Reported on three items (Safe Streets for All grant, Capital City Bikeway Phase 2, Downtown Mobility Plan). Next meeting scheduled for January 13, 2025.
• Communications-Nomination Committee: No meeting held; officers election expected in January.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• University of St. Thomas CUP: Original condition 16 retained; driveway must be removed. DSI to enforce and report back. Vote: 7–6–1.
• 637-639 Ohio Street dance studio reestablishment approved unanimously.
• Macalester College rezoning approved unanimously.
• Macalester College CUP approved unanimously.
• No old or new business. Meeting adjourned.