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West St. Paul City Council got a first look at the proposed Doddway redevelopment project and covered other routine business.
Doddway Redevelopment
During the Economic Development Authority (EDA) work session, City Council got a first look at the proposed redevelopment of Doddway Center. The developer confirmed that the plan will allow Oxendale’s to remain open during the entire construction process. The apartments are also planned to be market rate.
City Council members were generally positive and receptive to the plans. Concerns focused on the southern retaining wall/buffer zone and impact on those neighbors; pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections; access on Seminole; required parking; and whether the developer would consider increasing the height from four to five stories.
This was an early, initial presentation to make sure Council was generally on board. The developer stressed that anything is possible in terms of changes and improvements to the plan.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- Medical/dental clinics: Council approved a conditional user permit (CUP) for Pacific Dental Services moving into the strip mall with Panera in front of Target in the former T-Mobile space. Another CUP for two medical clinics, Forward Motion Recovery and Horizon Autism Center, in the building at 34 Moreland Avenue East (potentially dislocating Sherry’s Dearest Treasures) was tabled after several issues arose between Planning Commission approval and the City Council meeting. Apparently there are unaddressed safety issues, potential code violations, and another business in the building, West St. Paul Silver and Gold Exchange, is not licensed. Staff will work to resolve the issues and bring it back to a future meeting.
- Exterior grant: The EDA approved a $10,000 grant for West St. Paul Chiropractic to help with $35,000 worth of exterior improvements to their building at 1089 S. Robert Street.
- Group homes: Council passed a final reading on an ordinance change related to group homes that simply brings city code in line with state law due to a recent change by the legislature.
- Snow removal: The Council approved the Robert Street sidewalk snow removal plan for 2021-2022. As in previous years, the city will contract the removal and assess properties along Robert Street.
- DSP Week: The City Council proclaimed the week of September 12-18 to be Direct Support Professionals Week.
City Council meetings are currently held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. You can also watch the City Council, EDA workshop and EDA meetings online.
Here’s a video recap from Ward 2 Council Members Robyn Gulley and John Justen.
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