The commission’s decision to deny the interim use permit for Parking Go was driven by the site’s non-compliance with the city’s comprehensive development plans. The 12.5-acre site, currently used for remote airport parking, is strategically located adjacent to a light rail transit (LRT) station, making it prime real estate for high-density mixed-use development. The city’s comprehensive plan and the South of District Plan advocate for such development in transit-served areas, but the continued use of the site for parking was deemed inconsistent with these goals.

City staff presented findings that the applicant had failed to meet development milestones, including the submission of a complete development application in 2021. Assistant City Attorney Kevin Task supplemented the record by clarifying that the enforcement process had begun due to non-compliance, and the applicant had not adequately responded to a fine issued on July 24.

During the meeting, the applicant, represented by Danny Williamson, expressed frustration with the challenges faced in moving forward with development plans. Williamson outlined efforts to develop a mixed-use project incorporating residential units and phasing out the parking facility. However, he cited the financial burden of meeting the city’s development milestones as a significant barrier, particularly the substantial costs for architectural and engineering designs required before council approval. Williamson also noted that rising interest rates had severely impacted the project’s viability.

Commissioners raised several concerns during the discussion. One commissioner inquired about the plan should the council not approve the interim use permit, to which Williamson responded, “Forward parked cars. That’s how we make our money.” Another commissioner questioned the feasibility of retrofitting the parking ramp for residential use, emphasizing the technical difficulties associated with such endeavors. Williamson confirmed that the planning included foresight for future adaptations but acknowledged the design’s aim to facilitate potential changes over time.

The broader implications of the interim use permit were also discussed, with some commissioners expressing skepticism about the site’s future development. One commissioner described the applicant’s situation as “insanity” and suggested terminating the current use to allow for new negotiations with the city. Another noted that previous developments in the vicinity had occurred on empty lots without established revenue streams, contrasting them with the ongoing project that had consistent revenue since 1991.

The conversation turned to the findings required for approving the interim use permit, with a commissioner indicating that the findings did not support the application’s approval. They stated, “This interim use permit would delay permanent development of the site,” and noted challenges related to compliance with the comprehensive plan. The planning manager reiterated that the level of discretion in reviewing the interim use permit is limited and hinges on the ability to make the required findings.

Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to deny the permit, citing the inability to meet the required findings. The decision will be presented as a consent agenda item for the City Council on September 9.

In other business, the commission approved a major revision to the final site and building plans for an existing warehouse on West 96th Street. The revision includes a three-phase renovation: an interior renovation already approved, an exterior facade modification and vestibule addition under staff review, and a 4,500 square foot warehouse addition. The project architect, Chad Halloran, represented the applicant, Quality Insulation, a small business relocating from Saint Louis Park to Bloomington. The motion to approve the major revision passed unanimously.

The commission also reviewed a rezoning request for the Southgate Apartments, proposing a change from R-4 to R-M 24 to allow for higher density and the potential addition of more apartment units. Frank French, President of Mid-Continent Management Corporation, spoke on behalf of the Southgate Apartments, expressing the intent to add three-bedroom units to Bloomington’s housing stock.

Lastly, the commission discussed the preliminary and final development plans for the South Shopping Center. The proposal includes the removal of the former Herberger’s and Toys “R” Us buildings and the construction of approximately 120,000 square feet of retail space, featuring an outdoor athletic field for Dick’s Sporting Goods. A future phase involves a 100,000 square foot, four-story medical office building. The commission noted zoning challenges and recommended continuing the discussion to the next meeting on September 5.