Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

Note: The meeting transcript references a meeting on May 4, 2023, but the official date provided is May 12, 2023. This summary uses the specified date. The St. Paul Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 12, 2023, chaired by Commissioner Armaris. The meeting covered committee reports, a presentation on the anti-displacement study, and a vote to release the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Study for public comment. The Zoning Committee approved a rezoning and conditional use permit for a supportive housing facility for veterans. The Transportation Committee reviewed the Bike Plan update and a budget simulation exercise. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were noted. Routine approvals were not separately addressed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were received during the meeting. A public hearing for a pizza restaurant expansion was postponed to a future meeting. Discussion Items - Zoning Committee Report (Commissioner Riley): - The committee approved a rezoning of 704 East Larpenteur Avenue from R3 (one-family residential) to RT2 (townhouse residential) to facilitate a supportive housing facility for veterans. The project is part of the Heading Home Ramsey program, which aims to eliminate veterans' homelessness in Ramsey County. The conditional use permit for the facility (10 or fewer residents) was also approved with conditions. - A public hearing for a pizza restaurant in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood seeking expanded operating hours was continued to a future meeting. - Comprehensive Planning Committee Report - Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Study (Commissioner Presley and staff): - Staff presented a proposal to require EV charging infrastructure in new off-street parking facilities. Key elements: 5% of parking spaces must have installed charging connections, with a cap of 4 for non-multifamily uses. 50% of new parking spaces must be EV-capable (conduit and panel space for future installation). - Discussion included: the rapid growth of EV sales (6% in 2022, up from <3% two years prior); the high cost of retrofitting (2-10 times more expensive than initial installation); cost estimates for local developments (0.1-0.2% of development costs); the importance of EV capability over immediate installations; concerns about accessibility (ADA stalls), functionality, and caps for small businesses; questions about public vs. private charging; and the need to hear from diverse socioeconomic groups. - A motion was made to release the study for public comment with a public hearing set for July 7, 2023. The motion included adding language requiring spaces to be "functional" and noting the July 7 date. The motion passed unanimously. - Transportation Committee Report (Commissioner Partners): - The committee discussed the updated St. Paul Bike Plan, which is open for public comment until June 30, 2023. A presentation will be given at the next Transportation Committee meeting. - The committee also participated in a budget simulation exercise led by a staff member to gather input on the Mayor's proposed budget. - Anti-Displacement Study Presentation (Tony Johnson, Senior Planner): - Johnson presented Phase 1 findings of the Anti-Displacement and Gentrification Study. Key findings: St. Paul is growing (10% since 2007) and becoming more diverse, but 60% of households are white. Black households have the lowest median household income and highest housing cost burden (71% of renters earning less than median income are cost-burdened). Significant housing gaps exist for households earning under $35,000 annually. Homeownership is declining across all income levels except the lowest; home values increased 68% since 2022. Areas of displacement risk include the West Side, University Avenue corridor, West Seventh, Dayton's Bluff, and Greater East Side. Community engagement (619 participants) showed need for affordable homes, concern about luxury development, desire for community-led solutions (e.g., land trusts, co-ops), and need for resources and education. - Commissioners discussed the need to address contracting disparities, banking practices, down payment assistance, technical assistance for small developers, and the relationship between wages and housing affordability. Key Outcomes - Zoning Committee: Approved the rezoning (to RT2) and conditional use permit for the supportive housing facility at 704 East Larpenteur Avenue. (Vote: unanimous) - Comprehensive Planning Committee: Approved motion to release the EV Charging Study for public comment with a July 7, 2023 hearing date, with added language about "functional" spaces. (Vote: unanimous) - Anti-Displacement Study: Presentation was informational; no vote taken. The study will continue with Phase 2, focusing on policy recommendations.

This meeting was scheduled for 2023-05-10 per user instruction, though the agenda indicates a date of May 15, 2023. No minutes or transcript were available; the summary relies solely on the agenda. Discussion Items - The sole agenda item was a Draft Saint Paul Bicycle Plan presentation by Jimmy Shoemaker (Public Works), with 90 minutes allocated. No discussion details or outcomes are recorded due to the absence of meeting records. Key Outcomes - No votes, decisions, or directives are documented. The meeting record is incomplete.

The St. Paul Planning Commission met on April 28, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct two public hearings, receive committee reports, and vote on the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan. The meeting featured extensive discussion on the University of St. Thomas ball fields proposal at Highland Bridge, including community access, parking, and environmental concerns, as well as a detailed presentation on the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan that addressed tree preservation, parking reductions, and multimodal connectivity. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous two sessions were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments: Amy McDonough (Chief of Staff, University of St. Thomas) expressed full support for the proposal, emphasizing private funding, community engagement, and public benefits such as youth sports access. She noted St. Thomas would use the fields for about 50 games per year, with the remainder available for public use on a fee-based schedule. Maureen Michalski (Ryan Companies) detailed the surface parking proposal, which would be free for public use when not needed for UST events. Jerome Benner (UST Director of Neighborhood and Community Relations) highlighted outreach efforts and the diversity of Highland Park. Patrick Martin (Board Member, Friends of Highland Ball) voiced strong support, citing past collaboration with St. Thomas. No one testified on the parking, landscape, and design zoning code amendments. Discussion Items - Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments: Commissioners questioned UST and Ryan Companies about community benefits, the lack of a finalized community use agreement, affordable housing timelines, tree preservation, and the shared transportation corridor. Staff clarified that the adjacent Block 33 remains slated for 110 affordable housing units (Project for Pride and Living and Common Bond). The surface parking lot would be available to the public for free when not in use. The public hearing was closed and referred to the Comprehensive Neighborhood Planning Committee with written comment open until April 28 at 4:30 p.m. (later extended to May 1, 2023). - Parking, Landscape, and Design Zoning Code Amendments: No public testimony was offered. The public hearing was closed and referred to committee with the record open until May 1, 2023. - Zoning Committee Report: Recommended approval of re-establishment of non-conformity for a duplex at 1220 W. Avenue. The full commission approved unanimously. - Comprehensive Neighborhood Planning Committee Report: Announced the next meeting on May 10, 2023, to discuss the Highland Bridge ball field and raised concerns about scheduling a public hearing for an upcoming item on July 7, 2023, due to the Independence Day holiday. - Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan: Mary Norton (Parks and Recreation) presented the plan, emphasizing its consistency with the city's comprehensive plan and the need for street reconstruction. Key statistics: the plan would reduce on-street parking by 50% east of Lexington Avenue, estimate tree risk at 14% (compared to 8% baseline for reconstruction alone), and received over 3,000 public comments. The Transportation Committee had voted 8-1 to recommend approval (Commissioner Saeed opposed due to tree loss). Full commission discussion focused on tree preservation techniques, the need for detailed design and public involvement in later phases, and the lack of a dedicated capital allocation policy for the project. Commissioners expressed support for the plan, with an added finding that the city does not have a specific capital allocation policy but may allocate funds in the future. Key Outcomes - Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments: Public hearing closed; referred to Comprehensive Neighborhood Planning Committee with written comment open until May 1, 2023. - Parking/Design Zoning Amendments: Public hearing closed; referred to committee with record open until May 1, 2023. - Re-establishment of Non-conformity (1220 W. Avenue): Approved unanimously. - Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan: Approved with additional language regarding capital allocation (moved by Commissioner Cantner, seconded by Martinson). Vote: all in favor except Commissioner Hackney present (abstention). The plan will proceed to the Parks and Recreation Commission and then to the City Council. Note: The commission acknowledged a memo stating a public hearing was required, but city staff disagreed and the commission did not hold a separate public hearing.

Note: The agenda for this meeting is dated Monday, May 1, 2023, 4:30–6:00 p.m., but the user specifies the meeting took place on April 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. UTC. No minutes or transcript are available to resolve this conflict. Planned Agenda Items - Robert Street reconstruction – Presentation by Don Pflaum and Anna Potter (Public Works), scheduled for 40 minutes. - 2024 City Budget engagement exercise – Led by Noel Nix (Mayor’s Office), scheduled for 45 minutes. Discussion and Outcomes No discussion, public testimony, or decisions can be reported due to the absence of a transcript or minutes. The above items were listed on the agenda but their actual deliberation is unknown.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 14, 2023, to consider proposed zoning text amendments from the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Phase 2. The meeting began with approval of minutes, announcements, and a brief staff presentation on community engagement. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to public testimony, followed by commissioner discussion and a motion to close the hearing and refer the matter to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee. The record was kept open until April 17, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 3, 2023, meeting on a motion by Commissioner Holst, seconded by Commissioner Grill. Public Comments & Testimony - Jamie Stolpelstead (475 Old Highway 8 NW, New Brighton; born and raised in St. Paul) expressed strong support for the proposal, calling it a thoughtful and balanced approach to the housing crisis, and encouraged further work on equity and fairness in zoning. - Tom Diamond (2119 Skyway Drive, St. Paul) opposed the proposal, arguing it effectively bans single-family neighborhoods without proper public notice. He claimed residents are unaware their zoning would change and that the process is misleading, as it is called a study rather than a rezoning. - Ray Camper (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, 3137 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis) supported the improvements in Phase 2 but raised concerns about cost and accessibility, noting that 71% of St. Paul renters are cost-burdened. He recommended waiving fees and providing subsidies for those below 80% AMI. - Luke Hansen (Co-chair, Sustain St. Paul) enthusiastically supported the proposal, recommending consolidation of H1 into H2 and expanding H3 to a quarter-mile radius around transit and nodes. He also suggested density bonuses for cooperative ownership and fossil-free construction. - Pat Thompson (1496 Raymond Ave, St. Anthony Park) supported the plan and advocated for merging H1 and H2, citing minimal neighborhood differences. - Tom Darling (President, Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association; 2119 Skyway Drive) expressed concern that the public is not adequately informed of the massive zoning change and questioned the lack of empirical data on affordability outcomes and the city's capacity to provide services for increased density. He suggested piloting the change in opportunity zones first. - Nick Erickson (Housing First Minnesota, 4505 Oakond Road) commended the commission and supported the proposal as a step to address the housing crisis, noting the Twin Cities has the largest homeownership gap in the country and a shortage of up to 95,000 units. He cited studies showing modest densification increases affordability. - Deb Alper (Sierra Club North Star Chapter, 1835 Fairmont Ave) expressed strong support but raised concerns about impervious surface coverage (up to 80% allowed) and suggested reducing it to 10% and updating paving material codes to include permeable options like gravel. She also encouraged incentives for reducing car ownership. - Karen Allen (1315 Minnehaha Ave W; owner of a duplex at 955 Eigelheart Ave) supported the proposal, sharing her personal experience of affording a home through an owner-occupied duplex. She emphasized that the proposal covers the entire city and allows incremental additions like ADUs. - Jeff Shermack (463 Des Noyer Ave) supported the changes, noting his neighborhood has diverse housing. He stated the proposal removes barriers for small developers and encourages incremental density but cautioned it will not unleash a tidal wave of development due to other hurdles. - Tor Olsen (1600 Grand Ave, McAllister College student) supported the proposal on behalf of fellow students and recent graduates, recommending consolidation of H1 into H2 and expanding H3 to a quarter-mile radius around transit and nodes. - Emily Kirkbold (Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, 1954 University Ave W) supported the changes and urged merging H1 and H2 to allow four principal units on interior and corner lots. She stressed the need for affordability gap subsidies to pair with new development. - Michael Williams (922 N Woodbridge St, emerging developer) supported the proposal, recommending consolidation of H1 and H2. He explained that current zoning makes it difficult for small developers to compete and that modest densification would allow them access to more lots. He also advocated for technical assistance to help emerging developers. - Isaac Russell (Center for Economic Inclusion, 1600 Grand Ave; resident of Highland Park) supported the study, citing racial disparities in homeownership (41% of middle-income Black households own homes vs. 72% of middle-income white households). He recommended eliminating H1 and consolidating into H2, and supported density bonuses. - Zach Farrell (600 Summit Ave, 2) supported the changes, recommending consolidation of H1 into H2 and expanding H3 to a quarter-mile radius. He also suggested density bonuses for cooperative ownership and fossil-free construction. - Gaius Nelson (206 Wheeler St S, architect) raised concerns about unintended consequences, such as demolition of affordable smaller homes replaced by market-rate units. He recommended a no-loss of affordable housing policy and that new dimensional standards should be an incentive for multi-unit development only, not as-of-right for single-family. He also noted the study lacks analysis of impacts on surrounding neighbors. - James Slayers (1153 Edmund Ave) supported the proposal and recommended merging H1 and H2 into a single H2-like district, expanding H3 to a quarter-mile, and using density bonuses for cooperative ownership or permanent land trusts. Discussion Items - Staff provided a brief presentation on community engagement for the study, including webinars, in-person events, and outreach to organizations. The record remains open until April 17. - Commissioners discussed the public testimony, particularly the recurring recommendation to merge H1 and H2, and the need to understand who would develop housing under the new rules. Commissioner Mitchell requested data on housing built between 2010-2020 by type, developer size, and affordability. Commissioner Starling suggested looking at Minneapolis’s experience with similar zoning changes. - The motion to close the public hearing was made by Commissioner Grill and seconded by Commissioner Holst. The hearing was closed, and the matter was referred to the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee for further review. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing Closed: The commission voted unanimously to close the public hearing on the 1-4 Unit Housing Phase 2 Zoning Text Amendments. - Record Open: Written testimony may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023. - Referral to Committee: The proposal will be reviewed by the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee, which will evaluate public input and potential revisions before making a recommendation to the full Planning Commission and then to the City Council. - No Final Vote: The commission did not vote on the actual zoning amendments; the public hearing was a step in the deliberative process.

The Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission met on 2023-04-11 at 10:30 AM. However, the only available agenda is dated for a meeting on Monday, April 17, 2023, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM at a special location (Room 40, City Hall). No transcript or minutes were provided for either date. The agenda lists a single item: Discussion Items - Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan – Presented by Mary Norton (Parks). The item was scheduled for a 90-minute presentation, review, and recommendation. No public hearing was held. No votes, decisions, or public testimony are recorded in the available materials. Key Outcomes - None can be determined from the provided agenda, minutes, or transcript due to conflicting dates and lack of documentation.

This meeting of the Transportation Committee was held on March 28, 2023, to welcome new members and receive a presentation on the Highway 51/Snelling Avenue Traffic Safety Project from MnDOT representatives Jesse Thornsen and Beth Burton. (Note: The agenda originally listed the meeting date as April 3, 2023; this summary follows the provided date.) Discussion Items - Welcome New Members: The committee began by welcoming new members. - Highway 51/Snelling Avenue Traffic Safety Project: Jesse Thornsen and Beth Burton of MnDOT presented an overview of the traffic safety project along Snelling Avenue. The presentation lasted approximately 30 minutes. No additional details on the project scope or committee discussion were recorded. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or formal actions were recorded. The presentation was for information and discussion purposes.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission met on March 17, 2023, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. to consider four zoning items, set public hearings for two major planning initiatives, and receive updates on staffing and legislation. The meeting included Director’s announcements, zoning committee recommendations, and committee reports. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was presented. The approval of minutes from the March 17, 2023 meeting was listed but not acted upon due to no minutes being available. Public Comments & Testimony - 1416 Grand Avenue Rezoning (OS to T2): One person spoke in support, two in opposition. The District 14 Community Council submitted a letter recommending denial. - 1045 Arcade Street CUP: No public comment beyond the applicant and tenant. - 931-933 Atlantic Street CUP: No public comment. - 315 University Avenue CUP: No public comment aside from the applicant. Discussion Items - Director’s Announcements: Planning Director Luis Pereira reported two new planning manager positions and a research analyst position will be posted soon. He also testified at the state senate on Senate Bill 2159, which would clarify that comprehensive plans and official controls are not subject to environmental review under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act, but would not preempt site-specific challenges. - Zoning Committee Items: - 1416 Grand Avenue Rezoning (Case 23-015-210): Application to rezone from OS (Office-Service) to T2 (Traditional Neighborhood) for a retail sneaker store. The T2 zone allows retail and is compatible with adjacent RM2 zoning. Committee recommended approval. - 1045 Arcade Street CUP (Case 23-009-362): Conditional use permit for a paintless dent repair auto service station with modifications to lot size (3,765 sq. ft. vs. required 15,000 sq. ft.), landscape buffer, and ¼-mile proximity to University Avenue. No opposition. Committee recommended approval. - 931-933 Atlantic Street CUP (Case 23-012-807): Conditional use permit for an auto body and repair shop in an industrial area. Committee recommended approval with three conditions, including an opaque fence along Phalen Boulevard to screen vehicles awaiting repair. Commissioner Hackney questioned the fence’s impact on streetscape; staff clarified it was a standard condition. - 315 University Avenue CUP (Case 23-016-317): Conditional use permit for a banquet/reception rental hall attached to an existing restaurant. The proposal included a 50-stall surface parking lot behind the building. The zoning committee recommended approval, but a robust policy debate ensued over parking vs. transit-oriented development. Chair Rangel Morales voted against, citing inconsistency with recent parking policy shifts. Commissioner Ochoa raised concerns about site plan non-compliance (window infill, parking stall dimensions). The full commission approved the CUP with an amended condition (final plans shall be in substantial compliance with the zoning code, not just the submitted plans) but rejected a separate motion to require the site plan to return to the commission (roll call vote: 2 in favor, 9 opposed, 1 abstention). - Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee: - Ford/Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments: Six proposed major amendments to allow University of St. Thomas to build an athletic complex (baseball/softball fields, indoor practice facility, 330-space surface parking lot) on Canadian Pacific parcels. Discussion focused on parking size (20-space max currently), surface parking vs. structured parking, transit connectivity, and potential traffic impacts. The committee recommended setting a public hearing for April 28, 2023. The full commission approved that date. - Parking Landscaping and Design Zoning Study: Proposed text amendments to require interior landscaping for all parking areas with 20 spaces or 6,000 sq. ft., lower internal walkway thresholds near transit (80,000 sq. ft. vs. 125,000 sq. ft.), and increase walkway width to 5 feet. Discussion included pedestrian safety, ADA compliance, and impervious surfaces. The commission approved setting a public hearing for April 28, 2023. - Transportation Committee Update: Commissioner Risberg reported that the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Plan meeting was postponed to April 17, 2023, and will be held in Room 40. The transportation committee will meet April 3. - Communications/Nomination Committee: Discussion on reworking questions for the 1-4 unit housing study into plain language. Commissioners emphasized the need for community engagement and economic considerations. Key Outcomes - Zoning Actions: 1. 1416 Grand Ave Rezoning: Approved unanimously (voice vote) to rezone from OS to T2. 2. 1045 Arcade St CUP: Approved unanimously (voice vote) with standard conditions. 3. 931-933 Atlantic St CUP: Approved unanimously (voice vote) with three conditions, including opaque fence. 4. 315 University Ave CUP: Approved with amended condition 1 (substantial compliance with zoning code). The motion to refer the site plan back to the zoning committee failed (2-9-1). - Public Hearings Set: Both the Ford/Highland Bridge Master Plan Amendments and the Parking Landscaping and Design Zoning Study were set for a public hearing on April 28, 2023. - Next Steps: Staff will continue community outreach on the 1-4 unit housing study. The Transportation Committee will meet April 3 and April 17 (Summit Avenue).