Oakdale approves three major development projects unanimously
The Oakdale City Council unanimously approved three significant development proposals on July 10, including a retail expansion at Oakdale Marketplace, a residential garage addition, and a major light industrial project near Interstate 94.
All three items passed without dissent, though one drew public opposition. The council first approved an amendment to the Oakdale Marketplace Planned Unit Development plan, which allows retail use on a vacant site west of McDonald's. The amendment was required after a Court of Appeals decision reversed the city's prior ruling on the matter. Staff recommended approval, and the council passed both the ordinance and resolution needed to implement the change.
The council also approved a conditional use permit for a 400-square-foot second garage at 7582 20th Street North, intended for recreational vehicle storage. The property is zoned for low-density housing, which typically limits accessory buildings to 200 square feet. The applicant needed special permission for the larger structure. Staff confirmed the proposal met all city code requirements for setbacks, height, and use restrictions. No public comments were made on this item.
The most substantial approval involved the 94 Exchange project at 7049 4th Street North, a 36-acre development near the intersection of Interstates 94 and 694. Developer Capital Partners proposed two light industrial buildings, along with traffic improvements, landscaping, and tree mitigation. The project required changes to the city's comprehensive plan and approval of preliminary plat and site plan documents.
One resident, Brian Richie, spoke against the project, citing concerns about overdevelopment, environmental impact, and noise from the highway. He questioned the necessity of additional industrial space, noting vacant buildings already exist in the area. Despite his objections, the council voted unanimously to approve all three requests for the 94 Exchange project. The council did amend one condition regarding exterior building materials for the internal truck lanes, after the developer proposed using painted precast as an alternative to fiber cement panels. Capital Partners emphasized their long-term commitment to the property, noting they build and hold developments rather than sell them immediately.
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Other Topics from This Document
Conditional Use Permit for an Oversized Accessory Building (Marty)
94 Exchange Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary Plat, and Site Plan
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