The council deliberated on the preliminary site and building plan for the EDCO/Pope Design Group project, which involves relocating EDCO’s operations from Hopkins to a new facility on a 28-acre site. This development is poised to transform the currently vacant farmland north of Creek Road into a planned industrial district. The proposed facility will encompass a 235,000 square foot building, with an additional 120,000 square feet reserved for future expansion, accommodating 155 employees. The rezoning from rural residential to a planned industrial district is critical to align with the site’s intended use.

In the presentation delivered to the council, details of the site’s geographical context were highlighted. The area is surrounded by industrial properties, rural residential zones, and a future municipal services building. Considerations for existing wetlands were incorporated into the site plan to ensure environmental compliance. Access to the facility will primarily be from Creek Road, with a secondary access point designed for truck traffic to manage the expected 10 to 12 daily trucks transporting products from the facility.

One of the primary concerns addressed was the orientation and screening of the loading dock. Feedback from the concept plan phase prompted a reorientation of the dock to the southeast side of the building to improve access and reduce visibility from neighboring properties. The council underscored the need for further evaluation of screening measures, proposing berming and landscaping to ensure the facility remains unobtrusive. The planning included a four-foot berm on the southwest near the parking lot, which tapers and integrates with the site’s overall landscaping strategy.

Additional infrastructure enhancements were discussed, including road improvements to Creek Road, transitioning it from a rural to an urban section with curb and gutter installations. These developments are expected to coincide with the building’s construction, utilizing construction access primarily from Angler Boulevard. The council emphasized the necessity for extending berming and landscaping, adding parking stalls, and coordinating right-of-way needs with Carver County.

Furthermore, the council expressed enthusiasm about future park planning initiatives, with a focus on community engagement to gather feedback for Southwest Park. During key public events such as Fire and Ice and River City Days, residents will have the opportunity to provide input on various park plans, choosing preferred elements rather than a single plan. The council praised the serendipitous timing of the project’s design phase, which benefited from a firm’s retreat.

Community events were another focal point of the meeting, with reports on recent and upcoming activities. The council expressed optimism for similar community engagement at future events like the Southwest Jask development and City Square West.

The council further addressed logistical concerns related to traffic, particularly around school dismissal times and during planned construction on Highway 41. Discussions included potential traffic flow improvements and the expected impact of road closures on local transportation patterns.

In addition to development and community planning, the meeting acknowledged a presentation by University of Minnesota students, who proposed creative ideas to revitalize downtown Chaska, such as utilizing electrical boxes for art. This aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the downtown area and increase engagement from local business owners.

As the meeting concluded, council members reflected on the significance of Memorial Day, with plans for a ceremony at Veterans Park. They encouraged residents to make responsible choices over the holiday weekend and highlighted the importance of supporting local initiatives and community safety.