Minnetonka City Council — Transcript
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Asynchronous Public Hearings Initiative
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Votes (2)
De Jang Estates: A two-lot subdivision at 1842 Old Excelsior Boulevard
Dissent: None
Moved by Waterman [52:30] · Seconded by Minion [52:30]
The Planning Commission reviewed a proposal to subdivide a 1.5-acre property into two lots, one with an existing home and one for a proposed new home. Discussion focused on compliance with steep slope, tree protection, and lot size ordinances, as well as the 2022 wetland delineation study. Public comments raised concerns about increased development traffic and aesthetic changes, while the applicant clarified site conditions and intent. Commissioners generally agreed the proposal met all city requirements.
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad
Dissent: N/A
Moved by null · Seconded by null
The Planning Commission reviewed four concept plans for the redevelopment of the former Oak Knoll Elementary School site into residential care facilities for individuals with dementia. The applicant, English Rose, detailed their unique care model and the challenges of re-using the existing historic building due to its poor condition, ADA compliance issues, and lack of suitable synergistic tenants. Public and commissioner feedback favored concepts that removed the existing building (preferably two new homes), citing traffic concerns, building condition, and desire for modern, efficient design. There was also discussion about incorporating historical elements into the new design as an homage to the school.
Notable Quotes (10)
Anywhere you see in yellow is at least 20% which by city code there are additional restrictions in those areas and generally development is either restricted or discouraged.
After that review was done, it was determined that it did not meet any of the state standards to be considered a wetland.
subdivisions can be hard. This one is over 1 and a half acres, which is three times most Minnetonka lot sizes. There are no variances needed.
But I do take heart that it was not split into three. I think if there was three on there, then the neighbors would be even more up in arms.
Minnitanka has forecasted that they will see a 40% increase in older adults over the next 10 years. . . and one of those steps includes offering a variety of different kinds of housing for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The average ratio of caregiver to resident is an astonishing 1 to 18. Okay? And ours is 1:3.
It is absolutely critical that these uses be synergistic. That if if we were to retain the existing building that it would support and enhance the vision for for the English Rose community and not detract from that.
This is one last building one last historic building and I understand there's a ton of challenges with keeping it but I would urge us to try to figure out... to keep Oaknull school, Oakno School there.
My biggest concern is if you keep the existing building, we're going to have a major problem with traffic, people going in and out.
I would love to see the facade of the school, the brick facade with the the etched in stone, the name of the school, put that out in the front of the road and then have a historical marker to say this is what was here.
Ordinances & Resolutions (17)
Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council.
Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council.
Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council.
Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on amendments.
Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on amendments.
Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on amendments.
Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.
Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.
Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.
Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.
Introduced by City Council, later withdrawn; zoning remains intact.
Adopted by City Council.
Recommended by staff and approved by Planning Commission for De Jang Estates.
Guides development for the English Rose site, supporting low-density residential.
Required for licensed care facilities in residential districts, such as for English Rose.
City code regulating development on slopes over 20% grade.
City code regulating tree removal on development sites.