0:52The most notable event during the meeting was the Commission’s discussion and approval of the preliminary plat and conditional use permit for the Marketplace at Cedar. The development, proposed by ISG Inc. on behalf of OPAN, aims to create a commercial hub with nine lots and five outlots on land designated for mixed-use development according to the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan. This plan envisions a blend of commercial, retail, office spaces, and multi-family housing to support future transit services along the Cedar Avenue Corridor.

Dan Lick, the city’s planning consultant, explained the intricacies of the development, noting that all commercial lots meet the requirements of the M2 District, except for Lot 8, which lacks direct public street frontage. This lot’s accessibility is contingent upon a conditional use permit that allows for adequate ingress and egress easements. The development’s design includes the dedication of right-of-way for future Cedar Avenue expansion and internal right-of-way for Gland Shaw Avenue. Dakota County has already approved the plat, which includes easements for stormwater facilities and internal utilities. Notably, the developer will offer a cash payment in lieu of park land dedication.

Public comments revealed apprehension about the project’s potential impact on the community. Resident Diane Cunningham, living in nearby Cordelia, expressed her concerns during the public hearing, particularly about the types of commercial buildings that would be constructed and the anticipated increase in traffic on Glacier Way, which she described as already congested. Despite these concerns, the public hearing concluded without further comments, and the commission moved to approval.

12:23A representative from the development team, collaborating with CBRE as brokers, highlighted the development’s capacity for additional users and clarified that a traffic study would be submitted to the county as part of the project’s requirements. The development will feature two access points: a right-in access from 179th Street and another from Glacier Way via Glanda Way. This configuration aims to manage traffic flow effectively, directing it toward Glacier Way, which is designed to handle traffic from both residential and commercial areas.

Following the discussion, the commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend the Marketplace at Cedar preliminary plat and conditional use permit.

In another significant agenda item, the commission addressed amendments to the city zoning ordinance related to signage, following a previous variance application for a medical clinic. The proposed changes aim to provide businesses with more flexibility in signage placement without increasing visual clutter. Current regulations limit business signs to one wall sign or two for corner lots, with placement restricted to walls facing public streets.

The amendments would allow businesses to allocate the permitted signage area according to their needs and place signs on any wall that does not face a residential district. This change is intended to improve business visibility and identification, as exemplified by the Midwest ENT clinic, which would benefit from the new regulations without needing a variance.

The staff recommended approving the amendments, confirming that businesses could have up to 150 square feet of signage space under the new rules, offering them flexibility in its allocation. After a brief discussion, the commission approved a motion to recommend the ordinance amendments, emphasizing the balance between business needs and community aesthetics.