The rezoning request for the Victoria Gateway East commercial development, also known as the Hometown Bank development, dominated the city council meeting. City planner Brian McCann provided a comprehensive presentation of the project, which has undergone multiple reviews and revisions since its initial sketch plats were submitted in 2021. This site, strategically located adjacent to Highway 5 and northeast of the fire station, plans to house a combined coffee shop and bank operated by Hometown Bank and Mocha Monkey, along with a two-story medical office building potentially occupied by Ridge View Medical.

The council deliberated on the proposed rezoning from R1 low-density residential to a central business district, which is necessary to accommodate the development of smaller-scale retail and office buildings. This change would permit a broader range of uses, including medical and dental clinics, offices, restaurants, and financial institutions, aligning with the city’s vision for downtown mixed-use development. The project design includes updated drive-through configurations and building placements to minimize impacts on surrounding residential areas, requiring three conditional use permits due to proximity concerns and access points from public roads.

During the planning commission’s review, there were no public comments except for an anonymous email expressing concerns over light, noise, and traffic. The council addressed these issues by discussing the types of medical services proposed, potential impacts on nearby homes, and the possibility of using parking lots for public access during off-hours. The developer confirmed that the site plan includes shared parking arrangements exceeding minimum requirements and landscaping that meets the city’s standards. However, the majority of existing trees, approximately 81%, will be removed, with the applicant responsible for planting replacements as part of the landscaping plan.

Traffic management was a point of discussion, with plans for a right-in, right-out access initially, which will evolve with future roundabout construction. The lighting fixtures, designed to minimize the impact on nearby residential properties, are mounted at a height of 22.5 feet and feature downcast lights. A retaining wall on the south side of the site will provide additional screening, addressing concerns about lighting impact. The developer expressed confidence in these measures, aimed at mitigating any potential disruptions.

Further council discussions revolved around potential noise from emergency services, given the proximity to a fire station, and construction specifics, such as whether geotechnical considerations like geofoam would be necessary. An engineer confirmed that prior soil borings had been conducted to inform the construction plans. The developer assured the council that both the bank and coffee shop would operate during daytime hours, minimizing nighttime noise concerns.

The council’s decision to approve the rezoning was unanimous, with motions passed to approve the preliminary plat, conditional use permits, site plans, and building materials for the development. Following this, they approved a resolution to submit a plan amendment to the Metropolitan Council. Subsequent motions included adopting ordinances to officially rezone the property and amend the Victoria zoning code.

In addition to the rezoning, the council addressed the Central Green Improvements Project. The city engineer presented the recent bid openings, revealing nine bids, with the lowest from Minger Construction being 18% below the engineer’s estimate. This bid was favorable as the company was already mobilized on-site for another project. The project’s total estimated cost is $995,000, with funding secured from the Olivine project and additional street and stormwater funds. The council approved the motion to accept the bids and award the contract to Minger Construction.