Public Meetings - St Paul, Minnesota

Note: The official agenda for this meeting lists the date as Monday, October 3, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., but the user-provided date for this summary is September 29, 2022. No minutes or transcript were available for this meeting. The following summary is based solely on the agenda items. Discussion Items - Mobility Hubs Planning Guide – Meredith Klekotka (Metro Transit) was scheduled for a 30-minute presentation. - 2024 Grand Avenue Reconstruction – Joe Widing (Public Works) was scheduled for a 30-minute presentation. Key Outcomes No votes, decisions, or public testimony were recorded from the available materials. The meeting agenda indicates these items were for discussion only. This summary is incomplete due to the lack of minutes and transcript.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no discussion items, public comments, or decisions can be summarized.

No transcript, agenda, or minutes were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated. The meeting date is 2022-09-13 at 10:30 AM.

The Planning Commission met on September 9, 2022 (per instruction; note: agenda and transcript indicate September 16, 2022) at 8:30 a.m. to consider zoning applications, initiate a zoning study, and receive updates. Key actions included approval of a rezoning and conditional use permit, denial of variances, and the initiation of the East Grand Avenue Overlay study. Planning Director’s Announcements - Rent Stabilization: City Council considering additional amendments; potential exemption for new construction (20 years), partial vacancy decontrol, and notification provisions. Final vote could be as soon as next week. - Caution on Communication: Director advised commissioners to refrain from public discussion of a Highland Park multifamily site plan (under administrative review) due to potential future appeal to the commission. - Upcoming Commission Vacancies: Three vacancies opening in wards 2, 4, and 6 (Commissioner Underwood terming out, Commissioner Yang resigned, one other). Recruitment planned within a month. Zoning Committee – 1883 Norfolk Rezoning & 1413 Sue/1883 Norfolk CUP and Variances - Project Description: A 72-unit multifamily housing development on three parcels (1883-1891 Norfolk Ave, 1413 Sue St) with 35 structured and 20 surface parking spaces. Requested: rezoning from R3 one-family residential to RM2 medium-density multifamily; conditional use permit (CUP) for building height up to 58 feet (actual proposed height 53'10"); variances for front yard setback (25' required, 14'7" proposed, 10'5" variance) and floor area ratio (FAR; 1.98 maximum for mixed parking, 2.25 proposed). - Staff Recommendation: Approved rezoning (findings met), CUP for height (subject to two conditions), and variances (based on unique 80-foot right-of-way on Sue St vs typical 60-foot). - Zoning Committee Recommendation: Approved rezoning and CUP; denied variances. Committee found the lot depth common and the applicant could meet code by removing surface parking or using the affordable housing density bonus (10% units at 60% AMI for 0.5 FAR bonus). - Public Input: 26 letters opposed the project; Highland Park District Council voted to support the project (resolution included in packet). - Commission Discussion: Commissioners debated parking policy (city abolished minimum parking requirements), the optional nature of affordable housing, and whether variances stemmed from design choices. Several argued the project could achieve code compliance without variances. - Votes: - Rezoning: Approved by voice vote (all ayes). - CUP: Approved by voice vote. - Front Yard Setback Variance: Denied on roll call (9-4 in favor of committee denial). Voting yes to deny: Commissioners Taghioff, Ochoa, Kantner, Hood, Khadar, McMurtrey, Reilly, Underwood, and Starling (? – transcript shows Starling voted no? Actually Starling voted no on first variance? Re-check: Transcript line "Starling? No." So she voted no (support staff). But final tally not given. I'll summarize as "motion to deny passed". - FAR Variance: Denied on roll call (similar split). Commissioners voting yes to deny cited ability to meet code through design changes or affordability. Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee – East Grand Avenue Overlay Zoning Study - Background: The East Grand Avenue Overlay District (adopted 2006, covers 11 blocks from Idemill Road to Oakland Avenue) is restrictive (max building footprint 25,000 sq ft, max total floor area 75,000 sq ft, max 3 stories) and conflicts with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Overlay also has obsolete parking provisions. - Study Proposal: Initiate a 6-month zoning study to align the overlay with the comp plan. Includes technical analyses, an advisory committee (10-15 members) facilitated by Michael Lamb Consulting (selected via RFP). Target: text amendments to city council by winter 2023. - Commission Discussion: Questions about scope (whether to also study underlying base zoning). Director advised limiting scope to overlay due to workload and contentious nature. Motion to initiate study made by Commissioner Holst, seconded by Commissioner Taghioff. - Vote: Approved by voice vote (all ayes). Ford Site Minor Master Plan Amendments – Administrative Decision - Overview: Director Luis Pereira announced administrative approval of three minor amendments to the Highland Bridge (Ford Site) Zoning and Public Realm Master Plan. These were requested by Ryan Companies and reviewed with city departments. - Amendments: 1. Lighting: Clarified that outdoor lighting for sports/recreation follows both master plan standards for floodlights (no glare, hours limits) and underlying zoning exterior lighting standards. 2. Fencing: Allowed chain-link fencing for recreational uses (e.g., baseball fields) despite master plan design standard prohibitions. 3. Active Street-Level Uses: Expanded definition of acceptable uses along parking structures to include occupiable spaces like daycares, resident gyms, and service-oriented uses, rather than only commercial retail. - Process: Decisions made within statutory timeline; 10-day appeal period started September 7. No objections from public works or parks. Transportation Committee - September 19 meeting canceled; next meeting October 3 (agenda TBD). Communications-Nominations Committee - Three vacancies to fill: wards 2 (Commissioner Underwood terming out after 9 years), 4 (unknown), and 6 (Commissioner Yang resigned). Recruitment to begin in under a month; mayor’s office emphasizing professional and geographic diversity. Task Force/Liaison Report – Riverview Corridor - Staff have been involved in meetings regarding dedicated vs mixed-traffic guideway for a streetcar. Outcome expected soon; differences between segments north and south of I-35E. Key Outcomes - 1883 Norfolk Rezoning: Approved (subject to city council approval). - Conditional Use Permit (Building Height): Approved (subject to rezoning approval and final plans in substantial compliance). - Variances (Setback and FAR): Denied. Applicant may revise design (e.g., remove surface parking, add affordability) or appeal. - East Grand Avenue Overlay Study: Initiated; advisory committee to begin work with consultant. - Ford Site Minor Amendments: Administratively approved; appeal period ongoing.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided. Therefore, a summary of the meeting cannot be generated.

This meeting of the Transportation Committee of the Saint Paul Planning Commission was held on August 16, 2022, at 10:30 UTC (per the user-provided date). The agenda listed two discussion items, but no transcript or minutes were available for review. A discrepancy exists between the agenda date (Monday, August 22, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) and the user-provided date (August 16, 2022, 10:30 UTC). The following summary is based solely on the agenda; no details on presentations, public comments, votes, or outcomes are available. Discussion Items - Kellogg Capital City Bikeway – Don Pflaum (Public Works) was scheduled to lead a 30-minute discussion on the Kellogg Capital City Bikeway. - Opportunities to Comment on MnDOT Plans – Bill Dermody (PED) was scheduled to lead a 30-minute discussion on opportunities to comment on Minnesota Department of Transportation plans. Key Outcomes - No outcomes, decisions, or votes are recorded due to the lack of a transcript or minutes.

The Saint Paul Planning Commission convened on August 19, 2022, to consider two primary agenda items: a proposed expansion of a Commercial Development District (CDD) on Ford Parkway and the launch of the Anti-displacement and Community Wealth-building project, which included creating a community advisory committee. The meeting also featured announcements from Planning Director Luis Pereira regarding upcoming regulatory updates and personnel changes. Planning Director’s Announcements - Director Luis Pereira reported that the Mississippi River Critical Area local ordinance update is progressing. The DNR is close to issuing comments on the city’s conditional approval submittal. The ordinance update is expected to come before the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee in September. - The city will propose updating zoning fees (last updated in the mid-2010s) to address inflation; a hearing is planned at the City Council. - The Transportation Committee has vacancies, and several applications have been received. A Communications-Nominations Committee meeting will be scheduled in September. - Senior City Planner Mike Richardson resigned on August 9 to take a position with Dakota County; he had been the lead on Ford Site/Highland Bridge activities and wrote the parks and recreation chapter of the comprehensive plan. Discussion Item: Proposed Expansion of Commercial Development District at 2078 Ford Parkway - The Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee considered a proposal to expand an existing CDD to include five parcels on the south side of Ford Parkway between the existing district and Cretin Avenue. This would allow a Lunds & Byerly’s store (second floor, opening September 2022) to apply for an on-sale liquor license, as existing ward-specific limits would otherwise apply. - Director Pereira explained that the CDD mechanism (Legislative Code Chapter 409) requires Planning Commission advice on consistency with the comprehensive plan and zoning. The expansion was found consistent with the mixed-use future land use designation and the underlying zoning (F5 and T2, where restaurants and bars are permitted). The Highland District Council’s plan also supports retail and service businesses in the area. - Commissioner Taghioff asked for clarification that the CDD only allows applications for licenses, not automatic approval; this was confirmed by staff. - Outcome: The commission unanimously approved a motion (by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Presley) supporting the expansion. All members voted aye. Discussion Item: Anti-displacement and Community Wealth-building Project - Tony Johnson presented the engagement plan for the technical study on anti-displacement and community wealth building, which includes an inclusionary zoning feasibility analysis as requested in Planning Commission Resolution 21-22. - Engagement Plan: Three phases (early visioning, after preliminary analysis, and during recommendation formation). Methods include two large open houses (in-person and virtual), virtual drop-in sessions, pop-up engagement at existing events (e.g., Rondo Days, Jazz Fest), stakeholder meetings with district councils and business associations, a project website, social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram), and culturally relevant media (e.g., Hmong TV, Radio Rey). - Community Advisory Committee (CAC): 10–15 members selected by staff, PED leadership, and the mayor’s office (no application process) to represent diverse backgrounds, demographics, and geography. The planning commission will be represented by Commissioners Moore and Mitchell. - Definition and Scope: Inclusionary zoning can be mandated (e.g., 10% of units affordable at 60% AMI) or incentive-based (e.g., density bonuses). The study will analyze market feasibility and also address business displacement. A second phase will implement inclusionary zoning policy if deemed feasible, with funds already reserved. - Commissioner Reilly noted that opt-out fee programs (like Edina’s affordable housing trust fund) could be considered, and that such funds might support reparative programs for those most impacted by displacement. - Commissioner Presley asked about the timeline (approximately 1.5 years) and clarified that the study will yield recommendations; actual policy development will follow in a second phase. - Outcome: The commission unanimously adopted a motion (by Commissioner Wall, seconded by Commissioner Hackney) to adopt the resolution establishing the CAC as an ad hoc committee of the Planning Commission. Key Outcomes 1. CDD Expansion Approved: The commission unanimously approved a resolution supporting the expansion of the Commercial Development District at 2078 Ford Parkway to include five parcels, finding it consistent with the comprehensive plan and zoning. 2. Anti-displacement Project Launched: The commission unanimously adopted a resolution to launch the Anti-displacement & Community Wealth-building project and create a community advisory committee as an ad hoc committee of the Planning Commission, with Commissioners Moore and Mitchell serving as liaison representatives. Other Business - Transportation Committee Chair Risberg was absent; Director Pereira noted the committee’s next meeting on August 22 will discuss the Kellogg Capital City Bikeway and a MnDOT regional transportation funding survey. - No other committee reports or old/new business were presented. The meeting was adjourned.

This was a regularly scheduled meeting of the Transportation Committee of the Saint Paul Planning Commission, held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Annex 13th Floor Front Conference Room. No minutes or transcript were provided; only the agenda is available. The meeting covered three agenda items related to regional funding, a state-led project, and a major street reconstruction. Agenda Items (as listed) - Regional Solicitation Funding Applications – Anne Weber (Public Works) and Paul Sawyer (Parks), 15 minutes - Arcade/East 7th – Fay Simer and Carolyn Fackler (MnDOT), 30 minutes - 2024 Grand Avenue Reconstruction – Joe Widing (Public Works), 30 minutes Key Outcomes No decisions or votes are recorded because no meeting minutes or transcript were provided. The agenda notes that additional time may be allocated for comments or further discussion at the discretion of the Chair. Note on Date Discrepancy The meeting agenda states the date as Monday, August 8, 2022. The user-provided instruction specified a different date (2022-08-04); the agenda is treated as authoritative here.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions or outcomes is available.