HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/03/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - Board of Zoning Appeals - RegularOfficial Minutes
Board of zoning appeals
March 19, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Board of zoning appeals
Members present: Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Tom Weber, Sylvie Hyman, Jan Youngquist,
John Flanagan, Estella Hughes (youth member)
Staff present: Sean Walther, Marcus Hansen
Guests: Tom Schoenberger, Alex Schoenberger
1. Call to order- roll call
Chair Divecha called the meeting to order and roll call was taken.
2. Approval of minutes - December 18, 2024
It was moved by Jim Beneke, seconded by Tom Weber, to approve the Dec. 18, 2024
minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
3. Hearings
3a. Application for variance at 8016 Minnetonka Blvd
Applicant: Tom Schoenberger
Case No: 24-28-VAR
Mr. Hansen presented the report.
Chair Divecha opened the public hearing.
Tom Schoenberger, owner of westside market 8016 Minnetonka Blvd., the applicant,
thanked BOZA and city staff their time and pleasant interactions. He stated he believed
the remodel was necessary to be a competitive business in the area and that the
additional seating was intended to enhance the community. He stated that the market
has been doing well and anticipate the changes should help continue to grow their
business.
Commissioner Weber stated he believed the additional seating was a smart and more
efficient use of the space at Westside Market.
Chair Divecha said her family has gone and not had anywhere to sit, which is difficult for
any family with younger children, so the addition of seating will be very beneficial.
Commissioner Hyman said the seating would be great for bicyclist like herself to be able
to stop and enjoy a quick meal and get out of the weather.
Docusign Envelope ID: 80EDFB1A-DB23-401C-8C96-3EF571E012CE
Official minutes
Board of zoning appeals 2
March 19, 2025
Mr. Schoenberger thanked the commissioners for their support and stated he had heard
that feedback before and is part of why they are applying for the variance to add
seating.
Commissioner Hyman asked if Mr. Schoenberger was aware of Hennepin County's
planned road construction on Minnetonka Blvd.
Mr. Schoenberger replied that the business is very aware and supports the project but
are obviously afraid the fiscal impacts it could have on the business.
Commissioner Hyman discussed the design of the middle portion of the parking lot and
how it results in some odd movements and can create a confusing space for cars, bikes
and pedestrians.
Mr. Schoenberger replied that portions of the parking lot can be a bit difficult to
navigate but that it was overall designed pretty well for traffic flow and that the
increased cars resulting form the restaurant seating should not make a large difference.
Commissioner Youngquist stated that she prioritizes choosing to support small
businesses over parking any day.
Commissioner Hyman stated she supported the application and wished the city didn’t
require parking and having to go through a variance process.
It was moved by Tom Weber, seconded by John Flanagan to approve the resolution as
recommended by staff to grant an amended parking variance for 8016 Minnetonka Blvd.
The motion passed unanimously.
4. Other business – none
5. Communications
a. Mr. Walther stated the city is now accepting applications for boards and
commissions members through March 31, 2025.
i. Commissioner Youngquist announced her decision to not re-apply.
ii. Commissioner Hughes announced she is going to college and will vacate her
youth member seat at the end of her term.
b. Mr. Walther stated that Vision 4.0 facilitator training for community conversations
scheduled for May 1 and May 8. There will be two in-person opportunities and on
virtual. Commissioner Hyman shared she had communication issues with her
appointment to the Vision ambassador cohort.
c. Chair Divecha discussed the cancelation of the upcoming April 2, due to interference
with St. Louis Park public school spring break.
6. Adjournment - 6:22 p.m.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Gary Morrison, liaison Mia Divecha, chair member
Docusign Envelope ID: 80EDFB1A-DB23-401C-8C96-3EF571E012CE