Council Approves 89-Unit Senior Living Development
The Oakdale City Council unanimously approved the Atoria Oak Marsh senior living development Tuesday, clearing the way for an 89-unit cooperative on 5 acres at 800 14th Street.
The four-story building will include market-rate units with underground parking and will be located approximately half a mile from the new Gold Line station. Developer Josh Common said the project maintains wood frame construction to keep housing costs affordable while providing 1.5 parking spaces per unit, exceeding the city's minimum requirements.
City Planner Luke McLanahan said the council approved three related items: a variance for building height and setbacks, preliminary and final plats for the 20-acre subdivision, and the site plan. The development requires removing 49% of significant trees on site, above the normally allowed 35%, but the developer will plant 51 additional replacement trees.
The Age Friendly Oakdale Task Force also presented their three-year action plan focusing on transportation education, social participation programs, and safety initiatives. Task Force Co-chair Colleen Herman announced two upcoming classes in June to teach seniors how to use the Gold Line and microtransit services.
The council also awarded construction contracts totaling $3.8 million for 2025 street improvements to McNamera Contracting and approved $1.4 million in architectural services with BKV Group for police facility expansion and potential city hall renovations.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Oakdale approves a 89-unit senior living cooperative despite height and set-back variance requests.
- Concerns over significant tree removal (49%) at Atoria Oak Marsh balanced by 51 replacement trees.
- Age Friendly Oakdale task force highlights the need for better transportation access for the city's aging population.
- City Council corrects record regarding Emerald Ash Borer nuisance address in prior minutes.
- Development challenges: 5-story building proposed to keep senior units affordable, avoiding costly steel construction.
Votes (6)
Adopt agenda as amended
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Approve workshop meeting minutes April 8th, 2025
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Approve regular meeting minutes April 8th, 2025 as amended
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Adopt Resolution 2025-34 (Variance)
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Adopt Resolution 2025-35 (Preliminary and Final Plat)
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Adopt Resolution 2025-36 (Site Plan)
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Notable Quotes (1)
It's really important for us to stick with wood frame over steel...three stories just gets to such a large footprint that it becomes cost prohibitive.
People (10)
SarahStaffResponsible for taking roll call.
Responsible for taking roll call.
MooreCouncil MemberParticipated in voting and inquired about height variances for development.
Participated in voting and inquired about height variances for development.
MorhamCouncil MemberParticipated in meeting and voting.
Participated in meeting and voting.
SeversonCouncil MemberParticipated in meeting and voting.
Participated in meeting and voting.
WilbringCouncil MemberParticipated in meeting and voting.
Participated in meeting and voting.
ZabelMayorPresided over the meeting and read proclamations.
Presided over the meeting and read proclamations.
ChrisStaffAssisted the Mayor with procedural oversight.
Assisted the Mayor with procedural oversight.
MlanahanCity PlannerPresented the Atoria Oak Marsh project details.
Presented the Atoria Oak Marsh project details.
Josh CommonDeveloperRepresented the senior co-op project, addressed feasibility questions.
1 quote
Represented the senior co-op project, addressed feasibility questions.
“It's really important for us to stick with wood frame over steel...three stories just gets to such a large footprint that it becomes cost prohibitive.”
Explanation of building design choices for the senior cooperative.
Colleen HermanCo-chairPresented an update on the age-friendly community action plan.
Presented an update on the age-friendly community action plan.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (6)
- Regular City Council Meeting: April 22nd, 2025
- Workshop Meeting: April 8th, 2025
- Regular Meeting: April 8th, 2025
- Planning Commission Hearing: April 3rd, 2025
- Age Friendly Transit Class: June 12th, 2025, Discovery Center
- Age Friendly Transit Class: June 24th, 2025, Oakdale Library
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Approval of variance for Atoria Oak Marsh building height, setbacks, and lot standards.
Approval of preliminary and final plat for Oak Marsh.
Approval of site plan for Oak Marsh.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Adoption of the agenda
Approval of workshop and regular meeting minutes
Public hearing for Atoria Oak Marsh senior living cooperative development
Review of variance, preliminary plat, final plat, and site plan for Atoria Oak Marsh
Presentation from Age Friendly Oakdale task force
Proclamation for Building Safety Month
Proclamation for Arbor Day
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