The proposal for “Pickle in the Middle,” a commercial recreational facility featuring 15 indoor pickleball courts, took center stage during the meeting. The facility, to be located in the OP office park district on Juniper Way, will operate around the clock, providing a unique recreational option for residents. The facility will encompass 42,000 square feet and include amenities such as storage lockers, a check-in lobby, and a small meeting room. Interestingly, there will be no on-site food or beverage service, although users can bring in food for private gatherings, a practice reportedly managed successfully at other locations.

The discussion on this proposal included concerns about potential noise levels due to sports activities in a warehouse environment. The applicant, Lauron Donic, assured commissioners that similar facilities have not encountered significant noise issues, and efforts are underway to consider adding acoustic foam to mitigate any potential disturbances.

The commission raised further inquiries about the possibility of food and drink during events. While the facility itself will not offer food services, Donic confirmed that users would be able to bring in food, an arrangement that has been effectively managed at other venues. The proposal for the pickleball facility received a recommendation for approval of the conditional use permit, which was passed unanimously and will advance to the city council for final consideration.

Another topic was the expansion of the Heritage Commons Planned Unit Development (PUD), which involved several applications and required careful consideration of multiple factors, including parking, landscaping, and stormwater management. The proposal, presented by HVP Epic Heritage LLC and SMNPT1 LLC, aims to add 0.14 acres to the existing development, allowing for the establishment of two single-story convenience restaurants, Chipotle and Starbucks, both featuring drive-thrus.

The discussion revealed that the applicant requested some flexibility regarding the parking arrangements, proposing 49 spaces instead of the 51 required. Staff expressed confidence in this adjustment, citing off-peak usage times as a mitigating factor. The proposal also included requests for flexibility concerning parking stalls and drive-thru stacking areas encroaching into setbacks. The landscaping plan, which includes a mix of deciduous and ornamental trees and shrubs, received the city forester’s endorsement, with most plantings designed to mitigate light pollution around drive-thru areas.

A unique aspect of the proposal is the integration of an underground stormwater infiltration system, designed to maximize space efficiency. This component was reviewed and supported by engineering staff, who determined it economically sensible. The planning commission addressed concerns about traffic flow, particularly the access from the restaurant area to the neighboring Idelic property through the O’Reilly parking lot. It was clarified that an existing easement would facilitate this access, with provisions for speed control measures if necessary.

The planning commission expressed confidence in the design and functionality of the project, praising the collaborative efforts to address the site’s complexities. A unanimous motion was passed to recommend city council approval of the Heritage Commons 10th edition preliminary plat, PUD amendment, and conditional use permit.

Additionally, the commission heard an application from Divine Encounter Church for a conditional use permit to operate as a religious institution within the C3 General Commercial District. The church, represented by Pastor Zippora Bugonko, plans to hold weekly Sunday services and midweek Bible studies in a 2,385 square foot space. Staff confirmed the sufficiency of existing parking facilities, and no changes to the building’s exterior or interior are planned at this time. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the permit, forwarding the application to the city council.

Lastly, the commission considered a proposal for a new veterinary clinic as part of the Crossroads East Third Edition development. The clinic, to be located north of 175th Street and west of Glacier Way, will cover 9,000 square feet and focus on general veterinary practice without animal boarding. The planning staff highlighted the importance of this new location, given its proximity to an existing clinic. The commission closed the public hearing without objections and expressed enthusiasm for the positive impact of expanding businesses in Lakeville.