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A second drive thru lane is coming to Culver’s, plus an expanded parking lot for Zak’s Auto, improvements for Charlton Place condos, reconstruction of Lothenbach, another look at the budget, and more for West St. Paul City Council.
Culver’s Drive Thru
City Council unanimously approved a conditional user permit (CUP) allowing Culver’s to add a second drive thru lane.
- What: The project will trade six parking spots for a second drive thru order lane. They’ll also move the median opening on Marie Avenue to the east and close the existing one so their middle drive lane will be right in/right out only. They will also slightly modify their western exit and move their bike rack.
- Why: This increases stacking for their drive thru lane and will improve traffic flow in a tight, difficult parking lot.
- Process: Planning Commission held a public hearing (no one spoke) and approved the measure 7-0.
Expanded Parking Lot for Zak’s Auto
City Council unanimously approved a site plan for an expanded parking lot at Zak’s Auto.
- What: The project will square off their existing parking lot and add six additional spaces.
- Why: As a condition of the Smith/Dodd realignment, Zak’s Auto closed their southern driveway in exchange for the city expanding their parking lot.
- Process: Auto repair and front yard parking are not allowed in the Smith/Dodd zoning overlay, so Zak’s is a non-conforming use and needed a variance for the parking lot expansion. Planning Commission approved the variance and site plan unanimously. No one spoke during the public hearing.
Housing Improvement Area
A Housing Improvement Area (HIA) is a way for homeowner’s associations to finance improvements through the city. Charlton Place requested the first HIA in West St. Paul, asking for just over $2 million in bonding to pay for common area improvements. The amount will be paid back through assessments on the homeowner’s property taxes.
- Support: City policy requires 65% of homeowners to approve the project. 91% approved it.
- Process: There are still several more steps in the process, including a 45-day veto period where the homeowners have a chance to change their mind and if 55% do they can end the project. The city effectively acts as the lending agent and there is minimal risk to the city.
- Public hearing: While only one person spoke during the public hearing—the Charlton Place association president spoke in favor of it—Council apparently received multiple emails from residents upset about the project.
- Vote: Council ultimately voted unanimously to approve two measures related to the HIA. Council Member Doug Fromm noted that residents have a method to stop the project if they change their minds, and it’s up to them to that.
Lothenbach Improvements
Council unanimously approved a reconstruction project for Lothenbach Avenue.
- What: Full reconstruction, new curb and gutter, sewer as needed, water main replacement, and a six-foot sidewalk on the south side. The road will also be narrowed with no parking and improved crosswalks will be added, one crossing Lothenbach at Mathaler and one crossing Oakdale at Lothenbach.
- Study: The project included a walk audit, which noted nine adults walking on the street, three of whom were using mobility devices.
- Where: Lothenbach Avenue from Robert to Oakdale.
- When: Construction will happen in 2027.
- Cost: The total cost is nearly $3.5 million, with a federal grant contributing $756,800. As a commercial/industrial corridor, the project will be assessed at $98 per foot.
- Public hearing: Two people spoke during the public hearing, both in favor, LTS Vice President of Operations Ryan Lorraine and Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) President Scott Lambert. Lorraine asked if the city could add sidewalk along Marthaler to fill a gap and add a pedestrian-activated flashing light for the crossing at Marthaler. He said LTS would potentially be willing to contribute to help make these additions possible.
Other Items on the Agenda
- Budget: During the Open Council Work Session (OCWS), Council again discussed the 2027 budget. The proposed property tax levy is now at 7.28%, down from 9.96% at the last meeting. That would work out to a $92 increase for a median value home. Increased wages are one of the primary drivers.
- Emerson assessment: Council unanimously approved assessments on the Emerson mill and overlay project east of Oakdale. Single family lots will be assessed $1,846. A few people spoke during the public hearing, upset about shoddy work on a previous mill and overlay and the increase from the estimated assessment of $1,100.
- Snow clearing: Council approved the Robert Street sidewalk snow removal from Butler to Mendota for the 2026-2027 winter. No one spoke during the public hearing.
- 100: Council honored resident Pat Weber’s 100th birthday.
Engage
- Watch: City Council and OCWS meetings are archived online.
- Learn more: Guide to West St. Paul City Council.
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