StoryBeenberg Drive Multifamily Development ApprovalMarch 11, 2026

Woodbury City Council Approves Beenberg Drive Multifamily Development

A new 55+ age-restricted housing project near the future Gold Line corridor received unanimous council approval after an initial split vote.

Published Aug 15, 2026

Woodbury, MN – The Woodbury City Council has granted final approval to a new multifamily housing development on Beenberg Drive, following an extensive public hearing and a re-vote. The project, designed to be age-restricted for residents 55 and older, is strategically located near the city’s future Gold Line transit corridor, aiming to enhance housing options within the community. After initial discussions revealed divided opinions, the council ultimately approved the development with a unanimous 5-0 vote.

The proposed development, situated adjacent to Beenberg Drive and south of Tamarak Road, will introduce market-rate housing units to a key growth area. Its location was highlighted by supporters as offering direct access to forthcoming transit options, aligning with Woodbury's long-term planning objectives for the Gold Line corridor.

I’m a little disappointed that it is 55 plus targeted. I would like this to be an opportunity. These are this is a great product in its market rate… that targeting disappoints me a little bit because wherever we are access to transit this this housing is direct access to transit.
— Council member Santini

The age restriction, limiting occupancy to individuals aged 55 and older, became a focal point of discussion among council members. While Josh Bransstead, representing the applicant, clarified that this would be implemented as a permanent deed restriction, some council members expressed reservations about restricting housing availability, particularly in a location with direct access to future public transit.

I will go on the record and say any additional housing in here that restricts to aging, I will be a no vote for.
— Council member Wilson

Parking and Corridor Planning Under Scrutiny

The development’s proposed parking provisions also underwent detailed examination by the council. Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of the planned parking ratio, particularly in anticipation of potential future state legislation that could further impact parking requirements for new constructions.

Other Topics from This Document

47 Pines Residential Development Approval
Read
State Housing Legislation (Starter Homes Bill) Update

Want to know when new stories arrive?

Enter your email to receive updates.

We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Votes (3)

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

5-0 Approved

Dissent: None

Moved by Mayor Bert [1:10:48] · Seconded by Council member Stafford [1:10:50]

The discussion centered on the proposed residential development, particularly the rationale for changing the comprehensive plan designation from rural estate to urban estate due to changed conditions (e.g., proximity to city sewer/water and a municipal drinking water well, making private wells undesirable). Council members inquired about the design of temporary and ultimate cul-de-sacs, the need for future road extension signage, and pedestrian safety for students walking to Bailey Elementary along new trails and narrow roads. The Planning Commission's unanimous approval was highlighted, and staff confirmed the project required multiple concurrent approvals due to its scope.

Consideration of Approval of the Beenberg Drive Multifamily Public Hearing (Item 7B)

5-0 Approved (Initially 3-2, changed to 5-0 after vote rescission and re-vote)

Dissent: Council member Wilson and Council member Morris initially voted no on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, citing disappointment with the corridor's development and the age restriction. They later changed their votes to 'yes' with statements articulating their continued disappointment but support for the project itself.

Moved by Mayor Bert [2:11:59] · Seconded by Council member Stafford [2:12:05]

The council debated the proposed 150-unit multifamily development, specifically its targeting as a 55+ active adult community within the Gold Line corridor. Key concerns included the permanency of the age restriction (confirmed as a deed restriction), the adequacy of proposed parking spaces given state legislative trends, and how the project aligned with the long-term vision for the Gold Line gateway corridor. Council members expressed disappointment that the corridor's development was not fully matching previous master plan discussions, particularly regarding the mix of housing demographics. The council ultimately approved the project after a notable discussion where two council members initially voted against the comprehensive plan amendment due to these concerns, then rescinded their votes to support the project while reiterating their disappointment.

City Administrator's Report

Information Only

The City Administrator provided updates on the 'starter homes bill' at the state level, noting the city's ongoing advocacy regarding concerns with preemption and mandated density. Appreciation was extended to staff and representatives for their work. Upcoming community events were announced: the Woodbury Community Expo on March 28th and the groundbreaking for the new Public Safety Building on May 8th.

Notable Quotes (9)

The applicant is requesting to modify that through a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use of the property from rural estate to urban estate. The city historically has used one of two findings of fact. either a mistake was made in the original comprehensive plan or times and conditions have changed. In this case, staff identifies that times and conditions have changed to warrant a a change in the comprehensive plan.
— Eric [1:00:23]

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

due to the close proximity to that well, it is highly advised that additional private water wells not be permitted. And again, under the existing zoning and land use, that would require private well and septic versus connection to the city sewer and water.
— Eric [1:02:47]

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

my concern was this. Um I know that when we have a lot of uh walkers from the schools, um these these roads tend to get bottlenecked up and I'm guessing this is not going to What's the width of the road? 26 feet. Yeah. Very skinny roads. And a lot of times parents have a habit of parking and having kids walk so they don't get caught in the school traffic and it creates a bottleneck for and a safety issue for pedestrians and especially these kids coming from elementary school.
— Council member Wilson [1:16:35]

Consideration of Approval for the 47 Pines Public Hearing (Item 7A)

Ordinances & Resolutions (17)

R2 single family estate districtZoning

Existing zoning for 47 Pines property.

Rural EstateLand Use Plan

Existing land use guidance for 47 Pines property.

Urban EstateLand Use Plan

Proposed land use for 47 Pines property after Comprehensive Plan Amendment.

Comprehensive Plan AmendmentPlan

Requested change to land use for both 47 Pines and Beenberg Drive projects.

Planned Unit Development (PUD)Permit

Application type for both residential projects to provide flexibility in zoning standards.

Resolution 26-23Resolution

Resolution for adopting findings of fact for the 47 Pines Conditional Use Permit.

THE WOODBURY RECORDER

Woodbury City Council Approves Beenberg Drive Multifamily Development

Parking and Corridor Planning Under Scrutiny

Other Topics from This Document

47 Pines Residential Development Approval

State Housing Legislation (Starter Homes Bill) Update

Want to know when new stories arrive?

Go deeper on this topic

Votes (3)

Notable Quotes (9)

Ordinances & Resolutions (17)

Was this story helpful?