Woodbury Advances Bailey Properties Master Plan Amid Safety and Green Space Debates
The proposed 185-acre development north of Bailey Road moved forward with City Council discussion, focusing on pedestrian infrastructure, environmental integration, and future comprehensive plan alignment.
The Woodbury City Council recently advanced the Bailey Properties Master Plan, Project #19-2025-00603, marking a significant step for the proposed 185-acre development located north of Bailey Road. The comprehensive plan, designed to guide future construction and land use, spurred detailed discussion among commissioners and residents regarding pedestrian safety, green infrastructure, and overall community impact.
Thank you, Dan. Uh, one item on the agenda for this evening. Uh, that is the Bailey Properties Master Plan, project number 19-2025-00 603.
The Bailey Properties Master Plan encompasses an extensive 185-acre parcel positioned north of Bailey Road. This development is slated to include a mix of land uses, incorporating considerations for stormwater management, pedestrian and greenway corridors, and consistent architectural themes. The plan also addresses modifications necessitated by the New Life Academy's recent land acquisition and campus expansion, which was not contemplated in the existing 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Master plans are a a guiding document. So they certainly do establish policy direction. Um they do they are adopted by resolution by the city council and any project that is requesting a PUD through the city must be consistent with the that master plan.
Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Concerns
A significant portion of the discussion centered on traffic and pedestrian safety concerns along Century Avenue South, particularly in light of a proposed extension for the road. Residents living near the corridor voiced strong opposition to the extension, citing existing safety issues. Janelle Erickson, a resident on Century Avenue South, urged the council to prioritize safety over expansion.
Please consider not extending that just for the safety of everyone both that live there and also use the park.
Commissioner Jacob Guzik echoed concerns for pedestrian safety and advocated for specific design interventions. He suggested incorporating elements from the City of Woodbury’s safe systems approach plan into the development along city-owned streets.
I do think within the City of Woodbury's safe safe systems approach plan... I think it would be prudent to have more curve extensions or bump outs or pedestrian refuge islands, potentially raised crosswalks on the city owned streets could make that more pedestrian friendly.
The potential Century Avenue extension will undergo further evaluation as part of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, with discussions scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Parking strategies for the New Life Academy sports fields, and traffic flow related to adjacent developments in Newport, were also noted during the meeting.
Green Space and Development Aesthetics
Commissioners also emphasized the importance of integrating green spaces and ensuring robust landscaping within the development. Commissioner Guzik specifically requested the inclusion of boulevard trees along Century Avenue, between the existing trail and the roadway, to enhance both aesthetics and the pedestrian experience. Commissioner Marsha Kennedy expressed approval for the plan's focus on natural elements.
And then the landscaping, I was pleased to see so much green focus on that and I appreciate your focus Commissioner Guzick on that. As many trees, etc. We don't want to be a concrete jungle and I think the foc
Staff indicated that such suggestions, including Washington County's design standards for right-of-way widths, would be considered as the draft plan moves toward its final version. The commitment to pedestrian connectivity and walkability in commercial areas, along with the integration of green spaces, remains a guiding principle for the Bailey Properties Master Plan as it progresses through the city's approval process.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Residents raise urgent safety concerns over the proposed Century Avenue extension, citing multiple accidents and advocating for alternatives.
- Woodbury's 185-acre Bailey West Master Plan faces scrutiny over pedestrian safety, architectural consistency, and inter-city coordination challenges.
- New Life Academy's 30-acre expansion triggers significant land use modifications in Woodbury's master plan, with implications for parking and traffic.
- The future of Century Avenue's extension remains uncertain, pending a critical review in Woodbury's 2050 Comprehensive Plan amidst public opposition.
- Commissioners push for enhanced pedestrian-friendly designs, including boulevard trees and safety infrastructure, in Woodbury's new developments.
Notable Quotes (10)
Thank you, Dan. Uh, one item on the agenda for this evening. Uh, that is the Bailey Properties Master Plan, project number 19-2025-00 603.
Please consider not extending that just for the safety of everyone both that live there and also use the park.
we want to make sure that you guys continue working with our city and make sure that, you know, it's done safely.
Master plans are a a guiding document. So they certainly do establish policy direction. Um they do they are adopted by resolution by the city council and any project that is requesting a PUD through the city must be consistent with the that master plan.
We will certainly take a look at that as part of the movement from the draft plan to the final plan.
If possible, I would like to see boulevard trees along Century Avenue between the trail and the roadway and not just the double row on the outside.
I do think within the City of Woodbury's safe safe systems approach plan, I don't know if we've adopted I don't think we've ever adopted complete streets per se, but I think it would be prudent to have more curve extensions or bump outs or pedestrian refuge islands, potentially raised crosswalks on the city owned streets could make that more pedestrian friendly.
And um the only concern was for the the traffic, I think, um especially of trucks and such uh delivering things. Yeah, they I know they worked that out among themselves.
Mhm. In a perfect world, there'd be probably more utilization of the existing parking at the church and academy site, but in reality, that's just not what we see.
And then the landscaping, I was pleased to see so much green focus on that and I appreciate your focus Commissioner Guzick on that. As many trees, etc. We don't want to be a concrete jungle and I think the foc
People (13)
Jim GentileChairCalled the meeting to order and introduced the agenda item.
1 quote
Called the meeting to order and introduced the agenda item.
“Thank you, Dan. Uh, one item on the agenda for this evening. Uh, that is the Bailey Properties Master Plan, project number 19-2025-00 603.”
Introducing the Bailey Properties Master Plan as the main agenda item.
DanNot specifiedCalled out commissioners' names during the roll call.
Called out commissioners' names during the roll call.
Marsha KennedyCommissionerConfirmed her attendance and later inquired about the Newport section and parking.
3 quotes
Confirmed her attendance and later inquired about the Newport section and parking.
“And um the only concern was for the the traffic, I think, um especially of trucks and such uh delivering things. Yeah, they I know they worked that out among themselves.”
Recalling past traffic concerns regarding the QuickTrip project in Newport.
“Mhm. In a perfect world, there'd be probably more utilization of the existing parking at the church and academy site, but in reality, that's just not what we see.”
Commenting on the practical challenges of parking for New Life Academy's sports fields.
“And then the landscaping, I was pleased to see so much green focus on that and I appreciate your focus Commissioner Guzick on that. As many trees, etc. We don't want to be a concrete jungle and I think the foc”
Expressing approval of the green infrastructure and landscaping focus in the plan.
John ColumnCommissionerConfirmed his attendance during roll call.
Confirmed his attendance during roll call.
Stephanie SwansonCommissionerConfirmed her attendance during roll call.
Confirmed her attendance during roll call.
Shay See BrooksCommissionerConfirmed her attendance during roll call.
Confirmed her attendance during roll call.
Jacob GuzikCommissionerConfirmed his attendance and asked detailed questions about the master plan and design.
2 quotes
Confirmed his attendance and asked detailed questions about the master plan and design.
“If possible, I would like to see boulevard trees along Century Avenue between the trail and the roadway and not just the double row on the outside.”
Suggesting boulevard trees for Century Avenue for aesthetic and environmental benefits.
“I do think within the City of Woodbury's safe safe systems approach plan, I don't know if we've adopted I don't think we've ever adopted complete streets per se, but I think it would be prudent to have more curve extensions or bump outs or pedestrian refuge islands, potentially raised crosswalks on the city owned streets could make that more pedestrian friendly.”
Advocating for specific pedestrian safety improvements at intersections.
Giselle ParnellCommissionerConfirmed her attendance during roll call.
Confirmed her attendance during roll call.
Rian HalloleCommissionerConfirmed her attendance during roll call.
Confirmed her attendance during roll call.
Soren ShawCommissionerConfirmed her attendance during roll call.
Confirmed her attendance during roll call.
EricStaffPresented the master plan and responded to public and commissioner inquiries.
2 quotes
Presented the master plan and responded to public and commissioner inquiries.
“Master plans are a a guiding document. So they certainly do establish policy direction. Um they do they are adopted by resolution by the city council and any project that is requesting a PUD through the city must be consistent with the that master plan.”
Explaining the policy and regulatory role of master plans.
“We will certainly take a look at that as part of the movement from the draft plan to the final plan.”
Responding to Commissioner Guzik's suggestions for pedestrian crossing improvements.
Janelle EricksonResidentLives on Century Avenue South, spoke about pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns.
1 quote
Lives on Century Avenue South, spoke about pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns.
“Please consider not extending that just for the safety of everyone both that live there and also use the park.”
Urging the commission to reconsider the extension of Century Avenue South due to safety issues.
Johnny DemayResidentLives at 1211 Century Avenue South, Maplewood, voiced concerns about road safety.
1 quote
Lives at 1211 Century Avenue South, Maplewood, voiced concerns about road safety.
“we want to make sure that you guys continue working with our city and make sure that, you know, it's done safely.”
Emphasizing the importance of inter-municipal cooperation for road safety.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (5)
- June 15th Planning Commission meeting
- Neighborhood meeting (last fall, hosted by City of Newport)
- Woodbury project neighborhood meeting (May 11th, ~40 attendees)
- Weekly dialogues with City of Newport and City of Maplewood (ongoing for several months)
- 2050 Comprehensive Plan review and discussion (scheduled for 2027 and 2028)
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
Staff recommends Planning Commission recommend City Council adopt the master plan for 185 acres north of Bailey Road.
Existing plan that did not contemplate the New Life Academy land acquisition, requiring modifications.
Future plan to evaluate land use changes (places to work to low-density residential) and the Century Avenue extension.
Used as a reference for recommended right-of-way standards for Century Avenue.
Framework mentioned for potential pedestrian safety enhancements like curve extensions and raised crosswalks.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
June 15th Planning Commission meeting procedures
Master plan requirements for properties over 100 acres
Stormwater management approach for regional ponds
Pedestrian and greenway corridor planning
Architectural themes for development continuity
Modifications to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
New Life Academy land acquisition and campus expansion
Evaluation of Century Avenue extension in 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Public engagement and neighborhood meetings feedback
Traffic and pedestrian safety concerns on Century Avenue South
Enforceability and guiding principles of master plans
Newport's adjacent development plans (QuickTrip, light industrial, affordable housing)
Washington County design standards for right-of-way widths
Proposed landscaping and boulevard trees along Century Avenue
Pedestrian connectivity and walkability in commercial areas
Parking strategies for New Life Academy sports fields
Integration of green spaces and landscaping in development
Discussion of private drive access and pedestrian paths
Implementation of curve extensions, bump-outs, and raised crosswalks
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