Maple Plain City Council — Transcript

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Equinox Townhomes Development Review and Approval

Votes (1)

Equinox Townhomes Development: Rezoning, PUD Site Plan, and Plat Approval

4-0 Approved

Dissent: None

Moved by Stephan [6:53 p.m.] · Seconded by Adam [6:53 p.m.]

The primary discussion focused on the proposed 85-unit townhome rental community, including its rezoning from Mixed Use B to a Planned Unit Development. Key aspects debated included access solutions from both Highway 12 and Pioneer Creek Drive, the proposed private roadway system, and guest parking provisions. Significant attention was given to pedestrian infrastructure, specifically the proposed sidewalk along Highway 12 and a pathway to Pioneer Creek, with commissioners recommending wider dimensions for safety. The project's architectural design and landscaping were generally well-received. Questions arose regarding the potential for future street connections to adjacent parcels and external agency approvals, particularly from MNDOT which were still outstanding.

Notable Quotes (4)

The applicant is asking us to reszone the property to mixeduse Bud Avenue planned unit development which essentially is consistent with the MUB or the mixeduse. It's just we would be considering the development as a planned unit development rather than just a uh straight zoning.

Unknown Staff [6:08 p.m.]
Equinox Townhomes Development: Rezoning, PUD Site Plan, and Plat Approval

One of the biggest uh pieces that we started with when we first started talking to the applicant in this particular case is how the site would be accessed. And we noted that access to this site from just Highway 12 would place a real burden on the site.

Unknown Staff [6:15 p.m.]
Equinox Townhomes Development: Rezoning, PUD Site Plan, and Plat Approval

Yeah. Yeah. That that would be my recommendation too is it is this backup curb to have it be at least at least eight if not 10 just to u and even stripe you know kind of a a clear zone along the backup curb just to keep people further from the vast traffic there and a sense of safety as you're walking along the five feet from back along busy highway is not very

Stephan [6:32 p.m.]
Equinox Townhomes Development: Rezoning, PUD Site Plan, and Plat Approval

Overall, I I'm pretty impressed with the aesthetics of the the buildings and the landscaping and the layout. I think it's going to be a good good uh project and a nice amenity for the city if it approved.

Unknown Staff [6:43 p.m.]
Equinox Townhomes Development: Rezoning, PUD Site Plan, and Plat Approval

Ordinances & Resolutions (9)

City's Comprehensive PlanPlan

Guides land use and development, including density ranges for the subject property.

Mixed Use B (MUB) zoningOrdinance

Current zoning of the property, from which a rezoning is requested.

Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoningOrdinance

Proposed new zoning designation for the development.

Planned Unit Development (PUD) site plan reviewOther

Review of the specific site improvements and layout for the PUD.

Preliminary and final platOther

Application for the subdivision and combination of two lots.

PUD agreementOther

Agreement to memorialize project-specific standards and zoning deviations.

Development agreementOther

Agreement detailing proposed improvements and construction of the development.

Stormwater maintenance agreementOther

Agreement including right of entry for city and watershed personnel, to be recorded with the final plat.

MPDES Construction Storm Water ProgramPermit

External agency approval required for stormwater management.

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Maple Plain City Council - Maple Plain Recorder