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Discussion on missing middle housing and legislative priorities, plus an ordinance change to allow a thrift store are some of the topics on the agenda for the upcoming West St. Paul City Council meeting.
Missing Middle Housing
During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council will discuss the Missing Middle Housing bills proposed at the legislature last year, which didn’t pass but are likely to come up again. Staff is proposing a number of alternatives approaches that would still meet the housing needs but give local cities more control and flexibility.
Allowing Used Merchandise Stores
With CRAFT Thrift Store hoping to move into 1253 Robert Street (former Mattress Liquidators), staff is proposing an ordinance amendment to allow a used merchandise store in the B-3 zoning district.
- It’s currently only allowed in B-2 and B-4 with a conditional user permit (CUP). The proposal would still require a CUP for the B-3 district.
- Planning Commission did not meet last week due to lack of quorum, and is scheduled to meet and hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 30. To accommodate the applicant, the city is holding the first reading with City Council before the Planning Commission meets, though there will still be time to incorporate any Planning Commission feedback before the final reading.
Other Items on the Agenda:
- Legislative priorities: The city’s government relations consultant will discuss legislative priorities with the Council during the OCWS. Potential priorities include sewer funding, public amenities in the 150 Thompson project, sales tax extension, housing, opioid strategy, and more.
- Annapolis assessments: A public hearing for deferred assessments on the Annapolis Street project were tabled at the last meeting and will be taken up again, with a proposal to expire the deferred assessments after 15 years.
- Smith/Dodd: As part of the Smith/Dodd intersection realignment, the city plans to bury utilities and Council will consider an interfund loan to cover the costs. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) will also consider the loan, which will allow the city to pay itself back if redevelopment happens and tax increment financing (TIF) is used.
- Condemnation resolution: Also related to the Smith/Dodd intersection realignment, Council will consider a supplemental resolution to the condemnation passed at a previous meeting. This clarifies that in addition to the temporary easements, the city is acquiring access control for a driveway to be closed. The city is still negotiating with the property owners and hopes to come to an agreement, but starting the condemnation process now is necessary to ensure the project can go forward and not jeopardize federal funding.
Engage
Watch: The public can watch the meeting live on Town Square TV or cable TV starting at 6:30 p.m. (5 p.m. for the OCWS) on Monday.
Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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