The Bloomington Planning Commission recommended approval of the American Boulevard Transit Study and denied a privately-initiated code amendment for remote airport parking facilities during its November 6 meeting.

The commission unanimously supported the American Boulevard Transit Study, which examines potential bus rapid transit options along the corridor from Mall of America to various destinations including Centennial Lakes and Southdale Mall. Kirk Roberts, city staff member, said the study recommends continuing development of two viable transit routes while addressing land use changes and infrastructure improvements. The study will proceed to City Council for final adoption on December 8.

In a 5-1 vote, commissioners denied Rosa Development Company's request to change existing remote airport parking facilities from interim use to conditional use permits. The proposal would have affected Park and Fly and Park and Go facilities near Highway 494. Planning Manager Johnson said staff opposed the amendment because it could allow facilities to operate indefinitely without redevelopment requirements, conflicting with the South Loop District Plan's vision for urban, transit-oriented development.

The commission also approved new refuse and recycling facility standards with amendments. The ordinance allows nonresidential businesses to use exterior trash enclosures as an alternative to interior trash rooms, but commissioners added restrictions preventing enclosures from being placed closer to streets than principal buildings on front and side corner lot lines.

Additionally, commissioners found the city's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2035 complies with the comprehensive plan. The $50 million-plus plan includes projects such as a South Loop District parking ramp, sanitary sewer improvements, and various infrastructure upgrades.