Oakdale Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Tanner Lake Development at City Council Meeting
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
10/08/2024
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Recording Published:
10/08/2024
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Duration:
80 Minutes
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
Oakdale
- Meeting Overview:
The Oakdale City Council meeting centered on community pushback against a proposed Tanner Lake Planned Unit Development (PUD). The council approved rezoning and site plans, despite significant resident opposition regarding zoning compliance, traffic concerns, and environmental impact.
The Tanner Lake PUD public hearing was the focal point, with the council considering a substantial redevelopment proposal involving rezoning approximately eight acres for mixed-use development. The proposal includes a 126-unit apartment building, a commercial amenity building, and twelve rental townhomes. However, the plan drew criticism from residents, particularly concerning two site plan options, one of which hinges on acquiring a key parcel of land.
Residents voiced strong objections during the public comment session. Ryan Sher, a local resident, questioned the legitimacy of the PUD application, arguing that the developer did not control the entire development parcel as required. Sher pointed out zoning compliance issues, stating that the proposed site plans fell short of the necessary acreage and did not align with the comprehensive plan.
Michelle Staltz, president of the Lake View Terrace board, echoed these concerns, highlighting inadequate communication and the potential impact on her community. Staltz criticized the project’s density and parking arrangements, emphasizing that residents felt sidelined in the planning process.
Other residents, such as Jason Shy and Florence Bugger, also raised issues about the project’s design and traffic safety. Shy expressed concerns about the architectural style, which he found unsuited for the area, while Bugger highlighted the existing congestion at nearby intersections and the safety of pedestrians.
In response to these concerns, a city planner clarified that the PUD was city-initiated and had undergone legal review to ensure compliance. The planner acknowledged the site’s developmental history and the challenges it presented, noting that the property had been vacant for 16 years.
The council proceeded to adopt several resolutions related to the Tanner Lake development, including rezoning ordinances and site plan approvals for both options, each with conditions emphasizing compliance with city standards and community interests. Despite resident opposition, the council moved forward.
Beyond the Tanner Lake issue, the council addressed other matters, such as approving change orders for the Willowbrook Commons Park project. The council authorized the city administrator to approve change orders within budget constraints.
Human Resources proposed an amendment to the city’s paid time off policy, removing restrictions on new hires taking leave within their initial six months. This change, intended to improve recruitment, was approved following a brief discussion.
The council also focused on street improvements for 2025, adopting a resolution to initiate these projects based on current pavement conditions and maintenance costs. Additionally, the council approved the recodification of city ordinances into a searchable online format, streamlining accessibility for residents.
Kevin Zabel
City Council Officials:
Andy Morcomb, Jake Ingebrigtson, Susan Willenbring, Noah Her, Christina Volkers (City Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
10/08/2024
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Recording Published:
10/08/2024
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Duration:
80 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
Oakdale
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