St. Louis Park’s vision for future development along key corridors took a significant step forward last week as the Planning Commission recommended approval for the future land use redesignation of the property at 8800 Highway 7. The decision, made during its June 17 meeting presided over by Chair Flanigan, moves the city closer to redeveloping a prominent parcel into a high-density residential hub, potentially adding 208 new units to the community.

The proposed redesignation shifts the parcel, located near Minnehaha Creek and Excelsior Boulevard, from its previous commercial-oriented status to a high-density residential classification. This change is crucial for facilitating a planned project that aims to bring much-needed housing, including affordable units, to a strategically important area. The move is part of the city’s broader Comprehensive Plan Amendment Phase Two, designed to align land use policies with St. Louis Park's long-term growth and housing goals.

This amendment is really intended to close policy gaps. It's not intended to change any policy decisions that were made in previous zoning code update phases.

Ms. Shampo, a City Planner in the Community Development Department, made her remarks during a presentation on the comprehensive plan amendment, underscoring the city’s methodical approach to updating its regulatory framework. Her comments suggested that land use redesignations like 8800 Highway 7 fit within a consistent, evolving policy landscape rather than representing an isolated shift.

The site at 8800 Highway 7 has been a focus of planning efforts for some time, including a neighborhood meeting held on March 3 to gather initial community feedback on the potential redevelopment. The current proposal represents a significant investment in transforming an underutilized parcel into a vibrant residential community, aligning with the city’s desire to increase housing density in transit-accessible and amenity-rich areas, such as those along major corridors like Highway 7.

Complementing the comprehensive plan updates, the Planning Commission also considered a broader Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment, part of a citywide effort to streamline regulations. Gary Morrison, Zoning Administrator, detailed aspects of the zoning code consolidation.

We're taking the performance standards that are in article four and moving them into the new article that addresses only performance standards for uses throughout the city.

Mr. Morrison explained that this reorganization aims to create a more efficient and user-friendly regulatory environment, which supports the implementation of new land use designations and facilitates appropriate development throughout the city. This larger regulatory framework provides the administrative backbone for specific site redevelopments like the one proposed for 8800 Highway 7.

The commission's recommendation for 8800 Highway 7, along with the broader zoning adjustments, now proceeds to the St. Louis Park City Council. An anticipated City Council hearing is scheduled for July 20, followed by a second reading for the ordinance and map amendments on August 3. If approved, the changes are expected to be published on August 13 and officially become effective on August 28, marking a new chapter for development at this key St. Louis Park location.