The most notable development was the approval of the site plan for a commercial daycare proposed by Insight Development. The proposed single-level, 10,000 square-foot facility will be located on 1.37 acres of vacant land. The commission’s unanimous approval came after reviewing plans that align with the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan and the mixed-use zoning of the Spruce Street area. Insight Development, represented by licensed architect and project manager Cyrus Amani, has focused on daycare development due to increasing demand in the Twin Cities region.

The approved daycare site plan includes two access points from Kudson Drive, a centrally located building, and a 9,000 square-foot fenced playground designed for various age groups. The plan exceeds the required 37 parking spaces by proposing 41, accommodating 22 employees and approximately 150 children. A condition for approval is a revised exterior lighting plan to meet city code requirements. Landscaping will feature trees and shrubs along property lines and parking medians, and stormwater runoff will be directed to an existing pond east of the site.

Commission members expressed support for the daycare project, citing the community’s need for additional childcare options. One commissioner noted, “This is a very growing community, so I think the community will embrace this.” The discussion also covered traffic flow on Kudson Drive, with assurance from engineering and fire departments that the traffic aspects had been reviewed and approved.

The commission’s decision to approve the daycare site plan included five contingencies recommended by city staff. These conditions encompass obtaining necessary building and sign permits, addressing outstanding engineering comments, and finalizing architectural details for the trash enclosure and playground fencing. The daycare, featuring synthetic stucco, a concrete base, metal trim, and false facade windows, aims to blend with the community’s aesthetic while providing a safe and engaging environment for children.

In contrast, the commission decided against pursuing a zoning amendment request from Barb Acriman, the owner of a property at 5465 212th Street West, seeking to lease space for auto restoration and collision repair. This use falls under major auto repair, which is not currently permitted in the mixed-use commercial industrial zoning district where the property is located. The commission discussed the broader implications of amending the zoning code, noting potential impacts on other properties within the same zoning classification.

A commission member emphasized the importance of maintaining existing zoning provisions, stating, “I think it’s probably prudent and wise for us to tread real lightly with any change to MUCI properties.” The consensus was to uphold the current zoning restrictions, avoiding a precedent that could lead to further requests for changes. The decision aligns with previous discussions to limit auto-related businesses’ locations within the community.

The meeting also addressed the final plat for the South Creek fourth and fifth editions. With no representative from the applicant present to answer questions, the commission chose to table the discussion until the next regular meeting. Members stressed the importance of having the developer available for inquiries, particularly concerning construction timelines and potential traffic impacts due to concurrent projects like the extension of Pilot Knob Road. The motion to table the discussion was approved.