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West St. Paul City Council will consider plans for a new parking lot and parent drop-off loop at Heritage, potential TIF district expansion, and hold another closed meeting to discuss a purchase offer on the Hy-Vee property.
Heritage Parking Lot Reconstruction
ISD 197 is in the process of repairing many of their parking lots, but with Heritage ESTEM Magnet School, they’re taking the opportunity to make larger improvements. The plan is to add a parent drop-off loop and reduce the size of the main parking lot.
Planning Commission held a public hearing with no public input and approved the plan, with some added conditions, on a 6-0 vote.
TIF Expansion
West St. Paul will consider expanding the where tax increment financing (TIF) districts can be created. Currently the TIF district area is a narrow corridor along Robert Street, but this will expand it to the entire city. This comes as a recommendation from the city’s financial advisor, Ehlers, and will allow the city to purchase property with TIF funds anywhere in the city, not just in the corridor along Robert Street.
There will be a public hearing on the topic and both council and the EDA will need to approve it. Planning Commission previously considered the issue and approved the change unanimously.
Hy-Vee Update
There will be another closed meeting to discuss a purchase offer on the Hy-Vee property. There’s no pending offer yet, but the discussion is about whether or not to make an offer and under what terms.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Recognition: Council will recognize two police officers and two firefighters for their work to save a woman’s life.
- Audit report: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will hear the audit report.
- Robert Street: Council will also get an update on Robert Street maintenance during the OCWS.
The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday (6 p.m. for the OCWS).
Learn more about how city council works with our Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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