HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/12/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Regular Planning commission
December 6, 2023
6:00 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther or the administration
department at 952.924.2525.
Planning commission
Members present: Jim Beneke, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Katie Merten, Jan Youngquist
Members absent: Tom Weber
Staff present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Sean Walther
Guests: Ben Krsnak, Executive Vice President of Hempel Real Estate (speaker for the applicant)
1. Call to order – roll call
2. Approval of minutes – August 16, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner Beneke, seconded by Commissioner Eckholm, to approve
the August 16, 2023 minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Hearings
3a. Shops at West End PUD major amendment
Applicant: David Lima
Case No: 23-20-PUD
Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. Commissioner Merten asked if there would be
grass around the area for pets to relieve themselves. Ms. Kramer stated that while an
outdoor off-leash area would not be allowed with this amendment, normal landscaping
rules mandating green space would apply.
Vice Chair Divecha opened the public hearing.
Mr. Krsnak noted they are very proud of the West End area and stated restaurants work
really well here, as well as service businesses. This veterinary service is wanted and
needed in this area and is a good fit.
Commissioner Beneke asked if there are any new tenants at West End. Mr. Krsnak
stated they just signed a lease agreement today with a steak house that will take over
the Lucky Cricket space. He noted there is a vet clinic ready to also lease space
depending on the outcome of this application.
Vice Chair Divecha closed the public hearing.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 651697E5-C210-4CC3-8003-447F4E3E4B62
Planning commission
Dec. 6, 2023
Commissioner Youngquist stated it is important to support our brick-and-mortar
businesses in the post-covid world, and brick-and-mortar businesses need to pivot.
Allowing this use will help support the shops at West End as well as provide new
services for citizens of St. Louis Park. Commissioner Merten agreed and noted people
will most likely combine at trip to the vet with other errands while at West End.
Commissioner Eckholm added people who live in West End would utilize these
businesses and allowing these additional uses supports the goal of having an area to
live, work, and play in, and he supports this application.
It was moved by Commissioner Merten, seconded by Commissioner Eckholm, to approve
the PUD major amendment as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
4. Other Business - none
5. Communications – The Dec. 20th meeting is a study session only.
Mr. Walther noted that Ms. Kramer is resigning her position with the city Dec. 21st and
this is her last meeting.
6. Adjournment – 6:10 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Mia Divecha, vice chair member
DocuSign Envelope ID: 651697E5-C210-4CC3-8003-447F4E3E4B62