The Minneapolis Planning Commission denied two development proposals at their February 24 meeting, following staff recommendations that cited zoning compliance issues and community impact concerns.

The commission rejected a vehicle fleet storage facility proposal at 63 Saint Anthony Parkway that would have required multiple variances, including permission to exceed the maximum 100 surface parking spaces and reduce minimum drive aisle widths. Staff cited concerns about the facility's proximity to the Grand Rounds parkway system and potential impacts on the active transportation corridor.

Commissioners also denied a residential development at 1302 Douglas Avenue and 1716 Fremont Avenue South. The proposal called for an eight-unit structure requiring height and floor area ratio variances that would have increased the permitted floor area ratio from 0.8 to 1.32 - a 65% increase that staff deemed excessive for the neighborhood context.

Several residents testified against the residential project, citing concerns about scale, transparency in the approval process, and potential impacts on neighboring properties. The Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association had previously endorsed the project, though some residents questioned whether proper community engagement had occurred.

Planning Commission Chair Chris Meyer noted that while he might consider a floor area ratio of 1.0 as more reasonable for the residential project, the current proposal exceeded acceptable limits. The commission voted 7-0 to deny the Saint Anthony Parkway project and 5-1 with one abstention to deny the Douglas Avenue development.