StoryPlanning Commission business including school permit approval and major corridor study presentationJuly 11, 2025

Planning Commission Approves School Relocation, Reviews Ferry Road Study

Meeting date: Jul 11, 2025

Published Aug 23, 2025

In Process

The Bloomington Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit Wednesday allowing Blue Sky School to relocate within the same campus on Killebrew Drive while receiving a comprehensive presentation on the ongoing Bloomington Ferry Road Corridor Study.

The commission unanimously approved Blue Sky School's request to move from 2051 Killebrew Drive to 2001 Killebrew Drive. The online charter school, which serves grades 6-12 throughout Minnesota, has operated at its current location since 2020 without incident. The school cited improved internal logistics as the reason for the move while maintaining the same operational scope with approximately 10 administrative staff and remote teachers.

The majority of the meeting focused on the Ferry Road Corridor Study, a 2.7-mile stretch from Old Shakopee Road to Ending Avenue. Phil Kulish of SRF Consulting presented the study's goals, which include redesigning the current four-lane divided roadway to a more sustainable three-lane configuration. The study was initiated because current traffic volumes of 3,500 to 7,500 vehicles daily don't justify the existing four-lane capacity, and the remaining pavement north of 106th Street requires rehabilitation.

City Traffic Engineer Amy Moran explained that the study aims to incorporate green infrastructure, improve pedestrian crossings, and enhance safety features while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Public engagement conducted in May drew approximately 80 attendees to an open house at Countryside Park, with over 1,000 people visiting the project website. Residents expressed strong interest in green infrastructure improvements and safer pedestrian crossings, particularly noting concerns about vehicles exceeding the 35 mph speed limit.

The commission will receive corridor alternatives in October for final recommendation to the City Council. The study includes collaboration with Hennepin County and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, with a second round of public engagement planned for September to present developed alternatives to residents.

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Summary

The July 10, 2025 Bloomington Planning Commission meeting began with the swearing in of four new commissioners. The main business included approving a conditional use permit for Blue Sky School to relocate within the same campus on Killebrew Drive, and a comprehensive study session on the Bloomington Ferry Road Corridor Study. The Ferry Road study aims to redesign a 2.7-mile stretch from a four-lane divided roadway to a more sustainable three-lane configuration, incorporating green infrastructure, improved pedestrian crossings, and enhanced safety features. The study was prompted by the need for pavement rehabilitation and recognition that current traffic volumes don't justify the existing four-lane capacity.