The most notable topic at the commission meeting was the proposed parking garage for Hennepin Healthcare. This project aims to replace an existing structure with a new six-story garage providing 1,046 parking spaces. The proposal also includes 10,220 square feet of commercial space along Chicago Avenue to enhance street activity. The project requires a rezoning from DT1 to DT2 to align with Hennepin Healthcare’s expansion plans and a variance for the minimum Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

Community engagement, or the lack thereof, emerged as a contentious issue. A resident, Steven Shore, expressed vehement opposition, citing insufficient community consultation prior to the meeting. Shore presented a letter signed by 41 residents opposing the development, arguing that the new garage would exacerbate existing issues such as noise and safety concerns. The letter urged the city to deny the rezoning request and consider residential development instead, given the area’s housing shortage. Shore suggested that land near Centennial Place would be better suited for mixed residential use, emphasizing the site’s proximity to transit and services.

Following Shore’s testimony, another resident, Grant Carlson, supported these concerns and encouraged the commission to review additional letters submitted by the Elliott Community. The Planning Commission members then engaged in a discussion about the applicant’s efforts to engage with the community. The applicant acknowledged oversight in reaching out to all neighbors and explained that the parking garage was prioritized to accommodate the new inpatient bed tower’s development timeline. The garage would be approximately 20% smaller than the existing one, yet deemed essential for hospital operations.

Despite some commissioners expressing reservations about large parking garages, they recognized improvements in the proposed design over the current structure. The rezoning process will involve further city council review, allowing additional public feedback.

In addition to the parking garage debate, the commission addressed a proposal for a 15-unit condominium building on 44th Street West. The project requested variances for corner side yard setbacks and patio dimensions, seeking a reduction from the required 10 feet to 9 feet and from 15 feet to 10 feet, respectively. Staff member Aaron Hanauer explained that the proposals aimed to enhance public engagement, although some staff members recommended against them due to standard setback requirements.

The patio’s design, maintaining a front yard setback of approximately 15 to 16 feet from Vincent Avenue, was another point of discussion. While 73% of the patio complied with setback requirements, a small portion did not. The City Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department approved the variance for the 44th Street setback but advised against the Vincent Avenue setback request. The commission discussed the rationale behind these recommendations, considering the nature of adjacent areas and the patio’s potential impact on residential properties.

Further debate arose over the proposed patio’s dimensions and its alignment with zoning code definitions. An applicant named Pete Heely explained the transition from a market-rate apartment project to a 14-unit condominium, emphasizing outdoor spaces’ importance for market appeal. Heely advocated for a 10-foot sidewalk on 44th Street instead of the required six feet.

The commission ultimately approved staff recommendations, with some modifications related to the walkway width based on practical difficulties. A motion was proposed to adopt these recommendations, resulting in unanimous support.

The meeting concluded with officer nominations and updates on future meeting logistics, including potential housekeeping amendments to the zoning code. The commission also noted an upcoming special meeting to review an appeal regarding a variance and site plan.