HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/11/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study SessionOfficial Minutes
Planning commission
November 5, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Planning commission
Study Session
Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Sylvie Hyman, Sarah Strain,
Tom Weber, John Flanagan, Tess Machalek
Members absent: none
Staff present: Laura Chamberlain
1. Planning Commission and BOZA 2026 work plan
Ms. Chamberlain presented the report.
Ms. Chamberlain stated that she and Chair Flanagan will present the work plan to the city
council in 2025, and what is anticipated for 2026. Ms. Chamberlain stated that a more
formal motion will be voted on by the planning commission early next year, and then it will
go to the city council for final approval.
Ms. Chamberlain showed the 2026 work plan presentation that will be given to the city
council on Monday. Ms. Chamberlain noted that tonight’s discussion will allow the
commissioners to provide feedback related to the 2026 work plan before the presentation
to the city council.
Commissioner Hyman asked if there is an anticipated completion date for the Terasă
project. Ms. Chamberlain stated they have started, but do not have their building permits
yet, and have also run into issues with financing. Ms. Chamberlain added that the developer
had applied for an amendment for the PUD to make up for the funding gap, but that has
been withdrawn. Ms. Chamberlain added that construction will take about 1.5 years once
they do get started.
Commissioner Weber asked for more exclamation marks in the slide show. Commissioner
Divecha noted the numbers should also be added to the slides related to zoning phase 1.
Youth Commissioner Machalek asked that some of the words on slides be enlarged for
easier readability.
Commissioner Weber asked if the zoning code phase 1 should be the first thing discussed
with the council. Commissioner Eckholm stated he agreed and added that the zoning code
update and Arrive and Thrive are the big accomplishments to focus on.
Additional items to be considered for the 2050 comprehensive plan:
Commissioner Eckholm stated that streamlining the approval process should be made
easier so more people can take advantage of putting smaller houses in place within the city.
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Official minutes
Planning commission
Nov. 5, 2025
Chair Flanagan stated that with the light rail coming to the city and asked how to get the
whole city involved and moving around without using vehicles.
Commissioner Strain added she would like more inclusion on the topic of technology and
how to create space for physical in-person community with technological changes.
Commissioner Divecha added what the city can do to support more small businesses
through planning and having more walkable and commercial zones.
Commissioner Eckholm added he would like to see the city push for single-stairwell
construction / building codes for apartment buildings.
Commissioner Divecha stated she would like St. Louis Park Rep. Larry Kraft to come to a
planning commission meeting to discuss state regulations and let him know the city’s
priorities related to planning.
Commissioner Hyman asked about looking at how the comp plan can make living in St. Louis
Park more affordable, how the city uses land, influences, and where money goes, as well as
taxes and the transportation system.
Commissioner Divecha added she would also like the planning commission to meet with the
Environmental and Sustainability Commission (ESC) in 2026 and noted she would like to
have planning commissioners help table at ESC events in order to assist with community
engagement.
Commissioner Eckholm stated he would like information on when Hennepin County is
holding an open house on a project related to St. Louis Park.
Commissioner Beneke added he would like to see the city buy property and temporarily
hold it for a non-profit to purchase and wondered if that would assist with affordability.
Ms. Chamberlain stated the EDA has purchased strategic properties as they become
available, such as the Beltline and Nash Frame sites. She stated there is an upcoming
discussion with the city council related to this and added she will follow up with the
planning commission on this.
Ms. Chamberlain stated the Nov. 19 Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled, and
the Dec. 3 meeting is a study session on the zoning code update.
2. Adjournment – 6:56 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison John Flanagan, chair member
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