At the forefront of the meeting was the American Boulevard Transit Study, presented by Kirk Roberts. The study, detailed in a 260-page report, explores enhanced transit services along American Boulevard, focusing on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and infrastructure improvements. The transit study, previously reviewed by the City Council, requires the Planning Commission’s recommendation for final adoption. It examines three pivotal areas: transit options, land use, and infrastructure, proposing four possible transit routes originating at the Mall of America. Two promising routes for further exploration extend to Centennial Lakes and Southdale Mall, aligning with existing transit patterns and potential ridership.

The study’s land use recommendations emphasize shared parking requirements and district parking to mitigate individual development burdens. Specific parcels were identified for their redevelopment potential, although no guarantees were offered. The preferred infrastructure concept reflects community input, considering ongoing construction projects like the I-494 reconstruction, which could impact traffic patterns until its projected completion in 2030.

Commission members inquired about community engagement and the implications of related county redesigns, with Mr. Roberts affirming extensive outreach efforts and no foreseen negative impacts on transit usage. Discussions also addressed the redesign of driveways along American Boulevard, reflecting on its historical vehicle-centric design.

In a unanimous vote, the commission moved to recommend that the City Council adopt the transit study, which will be presented at a public hearing on December 8th. The adoption would serve as a long-term planning document, guiding future developments and negotiations, and establishing expectations with Metro Transit for transit development in the corridor.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a privately initiated code amendment concerning remote airport parking facilities. The ordinance under review proposed shifting the designation of these facilities from an interim to a conditional use, granting permanent land use rights. However, staff recommended against approval, citing inconsistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the district’s vision for urban, walkable areas.

The proposed ordinance and its implications sparked a discussion among the commissioners. Kristen Mira and Bill Griffith, representing the parking facility operators, voiced frustration over a prolonged process and emphasized the need for a resolution before council membership changes. They argued for a development framework providing incentives rather than mandates.

Commissioners weighed the operational needs against the city’s long-term urban planning goals, ultimately recommending the City Council deny the code amendment. Their decision aligned with staff concerns about maintaining the city’s strategic vision and ensuring development compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan.

Another focal point was the ordinance regarding trash storage for nonresidential uses. The proposed ordinance introduces an alternative for businesses, allowing the construction of detached trash enclosures, with specific setback requirements from residential properties to mitigate odor concerns. The commission discussed the balance between aesthetic standards and business needs, particularly for properties on corner lots.

Concerns arose about enclosures being closer to the street than primary buildings, with staff noting that the ordinance initially included such language but later removed it to prevent undue burdens on businesses. Commissioners expressed differing views on the amendment’s potential impact, emphasizing the need for thoughtful implementation to benefit both businesses and the community.

The commission voted in favor of the proposed ordinance changes, which will be presented to the City Council for further consideration. The meeting concluded with updates on upcoming agendas and procedural discussions related to commission inquiries.