Minnetonka City Council — Transcript

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Asynchronous Public Hearings Initiative

Commissioner Remote Participation Policy

Votes (2)

De Jang Estates: A two-lot subdivision at 1842 Old Excelsior Boulevard

6-0 Approved

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

No formal action, feedback provided

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.

Mr. Englesson [20:00]
De Jang Estates: A two-lot subdivision at 1842 Old Excelsior Boulevard

After that review was done, it was determined that it did not meet any of the state standards to be considered a wetland.

Mr. Englesson [21:20]
De Jang Estates: A two-lot subdivision at 1842 Old Excelsior Boulevard

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.

Commissioner Waterman [42:15]
De Jang Estates: A two-lot subdivision at 1842 Old Excelsior Boulevard

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.

Commissioner Henry [46:00]
De Jang Estates: A two-lot subdivision at 1842 Old Excelsior Boulevard

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.

Joshua Wart [58:30]
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad

The average ratio of caregiver to resident is an astonishing 1 to 18. Okay? And ours is 1:3.

Joshua Wart [1:02:00]
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad

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.

Jill Kleiner [1:09:50]
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad

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.

Ethan Adam [1:13:30]
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad

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.

Jim Sy [1:16:10]
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad

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.

Commissioner Henry [1:28:00]
Concept plan for English Rose at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad

Ordinances & Resolutions (17)

reszoningsOther

Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council.

subdivisionsOther

Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council.

conditional use permitsPermit

Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council.

city's comprehensive guide planPlan

Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on amendments.

zoning ordinanceOrdinance

Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on amendments.

subdivision regulationsOther

Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on amendments.

site plansPlan

Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.

signage requestsPermit

Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.

variance requestsPermit

Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.

expansion permitsPermit

Planning Commission makes final decisions unless part of a City Council application.

ordinance rezoning a property on Margaret Place from I1 to R1Ordinance

Introduced by City Council, later withdrawn; zoning remains intact.

2026 commission and council calendarOther

Adopted by City Council.

resolution approving the proposed subdivisionResolution

Recommended by staff and approved by Planning Commission for De Jang Estates.

2040 comprehensive guide planPlan

Guides development for the English Rose site, supporting low-density residential.

conditional use permitPermit

Required for licensed care facilities in residential districts, such as for English Rose.

steep slope ordinanceOrdinance

City code regulating development on slopes over 20% grade.

tree protection ordinanceOrdinance

City code regulating tree removal on development sites.

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Minnetonka City Council - Minnetonka Recorder