HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL PACKET 08282017
CITY OF SAINT ANTHONY VILLAGE
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
AUGUST 28, 2017
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Consideration,discussion, and possible action on all of the following items:
I.Approval of the August 28, 2017Planning Commission Meeting Agenda.
(action requested)
II.Approval of the June 26, 2017Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.
(pp.1-3)
III.Public Hearing.
A.Consider a request for 2401 and 2501 Kenzie Terrace (aka the Village Redevelopment Project)
Request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow for a change in Land Use Guidance
from Commercial to High Density Residential on the property located at 2401 Lowry
Avenue (Bremer Site);
Request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow for a change in density from 40 to
48 units per acre in the High Density Residential land use category;
Request for a Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) Plan to allow 833 multi-
family units on 2401 Lowry and 2501 Lowry Avenue;
Request for a Preliminary Plat to allow the subdivision of the property at 2401 Lowry and
2501 Lowry Avenue into 5 multi-family housing lots, one lot for park, 32 lots for
townhomes, and an outlotfor private roads. (pp. 5-215)
IV.Staff Reports.
V.Other Business.
VI.Community Forum.
Individuals may address the City Council about any item not included on the regular agenda.
Speakers are requested to come to the podium, sign their name and address on the form at the
podium, state their name and address for the Clerk’s record, and limit their remarks to five minutes.
Generally, the City Council will not take official action on items discussed at this time, but may
typically refer the matter to staff for a future report or direct the matter to be scheduled on an
upcoming agenda.
VII.Information and Announcements.
VIII.Adjournment.
1CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
3June 26, 2017
47:00 p.m.
5
CALL TO ORDER.
6
7
8Chairperson Gondorchin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
9
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
10
11
12Chairperson Gondorchin invited the Commission and the audience to join him in the Pledge of
13Allegiance.
14
ROLL CALL.
15
16
17Commissioners Present: Chairperson Gondorchin, CommissionersBartel, Foster, Kalar, Larson,
18and Papatola
19
20Absent: Commissioner Westrick
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22Also Present: City Planner Breanne Rothstein
23
I.APPROVAL OFTHE JUNE 26, 2017 PLANNING COMMISSIONMEETING AGENDA.
24
25
26Motion by Commissioner Foster,secondedby CommissionerPapatola, to approve the June 26,
272017 Planning Commission agenda.
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Motion carried 6-0
29
30
II. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 27, 2017 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
31
MEETING MINUTES.
32
33
34 Motion by CommissionerKalarsecondedby Commissioner Foster to approve the March 27,
352017Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutesas presented.
36
Motion carried 5-0-1 (Bartel)
37
38
39Commissioners Bartel and Papatola volunteered to represent the Planning Commission at the
40next City Council Meeting depending on the date of the Council Meeting.
41
III.PUBLIC HEARING.
42
43
A.Consider arequest for variance to the rear yard setback requirement to allow a
44
deck to be set back 17 feet from rear property line, a reduction from the required
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25-foot rear yard setback.
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47
48Chairperson Gondorchin opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
49
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 26, 2017
Page 2
1City Planner Rothstein reviewed the applicant is requesting to construct an attached deck behind
2their home at 3204 Townview Avenue. The proposed deck is 14 feet by 14 feet in size.
3Currently, the applicant’s home is set back 31 feet from the rear property line. The addition of a
414-foot deck would reduce their rear-yard setback to 17 feet. The minimum required setback in
5the R01 district is 25 feet. The applicantsare therefore requesting an eight-foot variance to the
625-foot setback requirements to allow their deck to be set back 17 feet from their rear property
7line. Ms. Rothstein noted there was an addition added to the home.
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9The applicant’s lot length, at 119 feet, is a short lot compared to nearly all other lots on this
10block of Townview Avenue. Both neighboring lots, and all lots on the block, have a lot length
11closer to 137 feet. Were the applicant’s lot to be sized similarly in terms of length, the proposed
12deck would not require a variance as the rear setback would exceed 25 feet. Because the
13applicant’s plight is due to a unique feature of their property dimensions, staff is recommending
14approval of the variance request. The applicants are Viktor and Katherine Adamcsek.
15
16Ms. Rothstein reviewed the criteria and noted all criterion were met. Staff recommends the
17variance be approved with the following conditions of approval:
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19The rear yard setback dimension at 3204 Townview Avenue shall be as shown in
o
20the application materials.
21Issuance of a building permit for proposed addition that meets all the
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22requirements of the building code, all other provision of the zoning code not
23subject to this variance, and all other applicable regulations.
24
25Commissioner Foster asked why the lot size is considerably shorter and Ms. Rothstein stated she
26does not know the history behind why the lot line is shorter.
27
28Commissioner Papatola asked if a variance was requested originally when they did the addition.
29Ms. Rothstein stated the original addition met the setback requirements and there was no deck
30applied for at that time. Commissioner Papatola noted this is a second-floordeck.
31
32Mr. Viktor Adamcsek stated the deck is on the main level of the home. He does not know why
33the lot is shorter than the neighboring lots.
34
35Chairperson Gondorchin asked if the fence is their fence. Mr. Adamcsek does not know whose
36fence it is and it is 4 feet high.
37
38Commissioner Foster asked if Mr. Adamcsek mows to the fence line and Mr. Adamcsek stated
39they have a garden and they do take care of the property back to the fence.
40
41Chair Gondorchin asked if a deck could be constructed without the variance and Ms. Rothstein
42stated a smaller deck could be constructed without the variance but the request is for a 14-foot
43deck. Chair Gondorchin asked if there is a patio door and was the addition be put on the home by
44the Adamcseks and Mr. Adamcsek stated it was and there is a header for the deck on the
45addition.
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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
June 26, 2017
Page 3
1Commissioner Kalar asked if when the addition was constructed did the applicants know the
2fence was not the lot line and Mr. Adamcsek stated they found out during the process.
3
4The McNaughton’s were present at the meeting. Mr. McNaughton stated he agreed with
5Commissioner Foster regarding the lot line and he stated it is a privacy issue for them based on
6the slope of the property. If the size of the deck were smaller or constructed at ground level it
7would be less of a privacy issue.
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9Chairperson Gondorchin closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m.
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11Commissioner Larson asked if some plantings would be done to provide privacy would that be
12acceptable. Mr. McNaughton stated the plantings would need to be six feet high.
13
14Motion by Commissioner Papatola,seconded by CommissionerFoster,to recommend to the City
15Council approval of a variance to the rear yard setback requirement to allow a deck to be set
16back 17 feet from rear property line, a reduction from the required 25-foot rear yard setback at
173204 Townview Avenue.
18
Motion carried 6-0
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20
IV. STAFF REPORTS
21
22
23Ms. Rothstein stated the Comprehensive Plan is still being reviewed and another opportunity for
24input will be at Village Fest. The next Comp Plan Steering Committee Meeting has not yet been
25scheduled. Commissioner Papatola asked for the process for the Planning Commission to review
26the Comp Plan. Ms. Rothstein stated it’s a six-monthprocess after the public hearing held by the
27Planning Commission.
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V.OTHER BUSINESS – NONE.
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30
VI.COMMUNITY FORUM
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32
33 No one appeared to address the Commission.
34
VII.INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
35
36
37 Chairperson Gondorchin welcomed Commissioner Jedd Larson to the Planning Commission.
38
VIII.ADJOURNMENT.
39
40
41Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by CommissionerPapatola, to adjourn the meeting
42at 7:25 p.m
Motion carried 6-0
43
44Respectfully submitted,
45Debbie Wolfe (TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.)
o
o
Building Summary & Parking Count
Total 823 units
Building A - 55'
130 units (125,000 Housing + 47,000 Parking)
130 Enclosed Parking Stalls
Building B - 55'
171 units (161,000 Housing + 80,000 Parking),
222 Enclosed Parking Stalls
Building C - 66'
170 units (161,000 Housing + 80,000 Parking),
222 Enclosed Parking Stalls
Building D - 66'
220 unit (207,000 Housing + 103,000 Parking),
285 Enclosed Parking Stalls
Building E - 66'
100 units (94,000 Housing + 42,000 Parking)
137 Total = 65 Enclosed Parking Stalls & 72 Surface Stalls
Townhomes 24'
32 units (2000 unit average with parking) 64,000 SF 3 Story
64 Enclosed Parking Stalls
Site Parking
62 At Grade Stalls, additional 20 possible as proof of parking.
*Building heights listed are from first floor FFE (Finished Floor
Elevation) listed on sheet C-3.01 to primary roof plane.
I am writing about the Lowry Grove development. There seem to be lots of questions that are floating around
in the community. Rather than sit in wonder, or spread false information, I have a couple of questions I'm
hoping can be addressed.
1. How does the current plan being proposed by CPG address the goals, challenges, or opportunities of
the2015 Strategic Plan?
2. According to the zoning map, the Lowry Grove area is zoned for R1 - Single Family Residential. How is a
potential 6-12 story complex defined as Single Family? Or, where is information on the website that the zoning
for it was changed for R4 - Multiple Dwellings?
3. If indeed, it is determined by the courts that CPG is able to maintain ownership of the site, who pays for the
additional need for more space in the schools, additional fire fighting capacity, etc, that will come with a larger
complex? How will it impact the overall infrastructure of SAV?
4. How can the public see the results from the surveys that were filled out by the community at the April 11
meeting?
5. Where can I find information about the current status of the Walmart complex? Why it is sitting empty,
while it is being suggested to convert an area that has the potential for a green space, into additional concrete
wasteland? How does that fit in the city strategic plan?
6. What supports has the city or CPG offered to the families who are being displaced to find affordable housing
in order to provide stability for those families?
7. In the end, to what extent will the community actually have a say in what happens to that site?
Thank you for any answers you are able to provide.
Regards,
Mary Lillestol
Stable, affordable housing is essential for people to work productively, for their children to learn, and for
families and communities to thrive. Housing is affordable when a family with a moderate or low income pays
no more than 30-40% of its monthly income for housing.
Increasingly, housing is not affordable for many Twin Cities metro area working families. This lack of
affordable housing for people of all ages and incomes causes families stress, dampens productivity and stifles
job growth. - Met Council
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Stable, affordable housing is essential for people to work productively, for their children to learn, and for families and
communities to thrive. Housing is affordable when a family with a moderate or low income pays no more than 30-40% of
its monthly income for housing.
Increasingly, housing is not affordable for many Twin Cities metro area working families. This lack of affordable housing
for people of all ages and incomes causes families stress, dampens productivity and stifles job growth.
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displayed. The file may have
been moved, renamed, or
deleted. Verify that the link
points to the correct file and
location.
We object to the high density design of the development plan:
We object to the lack of affordable housing of the development plan:
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Hello Breanne,
I own property in the neighborhood and I'm trying to get an update on the latest plans for the project. My
understanding is that a new site plan has been submitted, do you know if that's the case? I apologize, if it was on
the city's website and I missed it.
Best, Jim
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Dear Brianne and Mark,
I am writing this letter to implore the Village of Saint Anthony to find an alternative to the proposed
development of Lowry Grove. Like many residents, I have been following the story closely with a heavy heart.
While I respect that the city does not own and will never own Lowry Grove, it is your prerogative to help guide
the direction of growth within the city. At the very least, Saint Anthony needs to be considerate in their zoning
of the area.
We live blocks away from Lowry Grove in Saint Anthony and own a duplex on McKinley Street NE, just kitty
corner to Lowry Grove. This development will affect both of our properties and the quality of life of us and our
neighbors.
Lowry Grove is one of the few remaining affordable housing areas in the metro. This is home to seniors, first
generation US citizens, and veterans. In displacing them, we lose the diversity and humanity they bring to our
community.
While forcing these families from our community is wrong, at least there will be a place for them somewhere.
Not so for the 50 to 100 year old trees that will be torn from the ground. In an area that is losing countless Ash
trees to the Emerald Ash Borer, you’d think we could have the foresight not to cut down established healthy
trees. These trees provide habitat for owls, hawks, songbirds and mammals that are increasingly losing habitat
due to development in rural areas. It is our responsibility to protect green space for future generations of all
species, including human.
Why not give the developers the concrete wasteland that was once Walmart for a dollar? It is an eyesore
begging for redevelopment. In exchange, The Village, LLC can sell Lowry Grove to Aeon. The Walmart area is
already set up for large volumes of traffic. Not so for Stinson and Lowry, a two lane parkway. Or maybe we
could rip out the trees in the median while we’re at it. Aeon is proposing a responsible, thoughtful development
plan for the area that includes affordable family housing, a manageable amount of traffic and green space for
families to live.
It’s not too late. Stand up for what's right.
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Sincerely,
Kristi Flynn
--
Kristi Flynn, DVM
Assistant Professor, Primary Care
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Dear Planning Commission:
I am a 16 year resident of St. Anthony Village. I am writing to express my concern about the development plans
for the Lowry Grove mobile home park.
I object to the high density design of the development plan:
Adding over 800 housing units in the space will create tremendous congestion in the area, place more stress on
an already burdened school system, create massive expense in city utility needs and effect my already high
taxes. The current plan is unacceptable and only designed to maximize the developer’s profits while ignoring
the needs of the community.
I object to the lack of affordable housing of the development plan:
The Met Council is pleading with local communities to consider affordable housing in their plans. Lowry Grove
was one of the very few neighborhoods that offered affordable housing in St. Anthony Village. Where is the
Village’s plan for affordable housing? Why aren’t we doing our part to help make housing in the Twin Cities
area more diverse and available to people who earn less but deserve decent homes?
I ask that you consider these things as you execute your responsibilities in the city government.
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Not sure if you got this
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From:
Jerry Faust <jerry.faust@savmn.com>
Date:
April 15, 2017 at 8:35:04 AM PDT
To:
HAYDEN GROOMS <haydengrooms@me.com>
Subject:Re: Lowry Grove Development
The linked image cannot be
displayed. The file may have
been moved, renamed, or
deleted. Verify that the link
points to the correct file and
location.
Mr. Mayor
I am a 16 year resident of St. Anthony Village. I am writing to express my concern about the
development plans for the Lowry Grove mobile home park.
I object to the high density design of the development plan:
Adding over 800 housing units in the space will create tremendous congestion in the area, place
more stress on an already burdened school system, create massive expense in city utility needs
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and effect my already high taxes. The current plan is unacceptable and only designed to
maximize the developer’s profits while ignoring the needs of the community.
I object to the lack of affordable housing of the development plan:
The Met Council is pleading with local communities to consider affordable housing in their
plans. Lowry Grove was one of the very few neighborhoods that offered affordable housing in
St. Anthony Village. Where is the Village’s plan for affordable housing? Why aren’t we doing
our part to help make housing in the Twin Cities area more diverse and available to people who
earn less but deserve decent homes?
I ask that you consider these things as you execute your responsibilities in the city government.
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Dear Ms. Rothstein,
I am a St. Anthony resident writing to share my concern about the proposed development at Lowry Grove. I
strongly believe that affordable housing available for all levels of poverty be provided at the 13% rate that the
Metropolitan Council recommends.
I am also strongly opposed to 837 units going into that small space. That essentially adds 1500-2000 people to
the City, which I believe would increase the population by 20-25%.
Please support true affordable housing and a much smaller footprint. I am hoping Aeon will prevail in court and
hope you will work with them as well.
Sincerely,
Ann Trench
3429 Skycroft Cir
St. Anthony, MN
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From: s.m.sherman@comcast.net \[mailto:s.m.sherman@comcast.net\]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 4:24 PM
To: Mark Casey
Subject: CPG Open House
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From: Bob and Andrea \[mailto:absledz@yahoo.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 2:24 PM
To: Mark Casey
Subject: Lowery Grove Redevelopment
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From: Charlie Yunker
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 9:25 AM
To: Mark Casey
Subject: FW: Lowry Grove Development
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A Village Within the City
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Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: Ashley Wirig Bachman <ashley.wirig@gmail.com>
Date: 2/20/17 9:48 AM (GMT-06:00)
To: planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Subject: Lowry Grove Redevelopment
Good morning
My husband and I live on 27th and Brighton Avenue NE. We are very concerned that the high density housing
proposed for the Lowry Grove redevelopment will cause extensive traffic congestion through our neighborhood,
especially on Stinson Boulevard. I would like to know what, if anything, is planned in order to mitigate this
issue.
Thank you,
--
Ashley Wirig Bachman
Breanne
763-231-4863
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Hi Breanne
I sent this to the email listed for the city but never got an answer. Did you get this? Please answer and let me
know
Thanks, Ginny
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From:
Ginny Lahti <lahti008@umn.edu>
Date:
February 13, 2017 at 3:06:59 PM CST
To:
planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Subject:Lowry Grove
Hi Breanne
Is there a Development Review Committee for this project. If so, who would be on it?
Who is the council member that was the liaison between the planning and zoning?
When is the public hearing conducted exactly? Is it after the preliminary development
plan? Thanks, Ginny
Sent from my iPhone
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Tomorrow morning sounds great! Thank you for that offer. Do you want to call me? My cell phone number is
612-247-4361. If a conflict arises for you, I have plenty of open time next week. Kristine
On Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 11:28 AM, Breanne Rothstein <BRothstein@wsbeng.com> wrote:
From: Kristine Lizdas \[mailto:kclizdas@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 8:49 AM
To: Breanne Rothstein
Subject: Re: St. Anthony's Affordable Housing Plan
Breanne,
You were very kind to answer my questions so quickly, and I am grateful for that. And please know that I
appreciate you cannot dedicate much time to answering individual emails from St. Anthony residents.
Rather than take-up much more of your time, could point me in a direction for obtaining more detailed
information on affordable housing in St. Anthony? Specifically, if I wanted to know the number of affordable
housing units in the Legends, the Landings and the Legacy, and otherwise in St. Anthony, and I wanted to
know what the specific income threshholds were for those units, and whether there were other
requirements/restrictions prospective residents had to meet in order to obtain those units, where could I go to
get that information? It would also be helpful to know the total number of units in those three developments,
and in St. Anthony generally, to get a better sense of proportionality. Again, I really don't want to ask for more
of your time - you have been very generous - but I know that these are significant details, especially if
affordable housing advocates in St. Anthony want to meaningfully engage other residents in this discussion.
Obviously, there are costs and benefits to promoting more affordable housing in St. Anthony, and more
detailed information is helpful to understanding this better.
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You noted that the Met Council recommends 38 affordable housing units in St. Anthony. I assume this
recommendation was made in consideration of the existing Lowry Grove housing? Would this
recommendation change in light of the significant loss of affordable housing there? Relatedly, I have heard
different numbers thrown-out regarding the number of affordable housing units in the proposed LG
redevelopment. Is the final proposed number 60 total?
It is great to hear that the Steering Committee (and Planning Commission as well?) are studying affordable
housing, associated funding support and policy strategies, and bringing in guest speakers such as Ed Goetz. I
am trying to keep my eye on the City's website for updates on the Comp Plan, and the email notification
system for the LG redevelopment is really helpful. Do you anticipate additional public forums once the draft
plan is released? Would Steering Committee and Commission members attend these as well? Finally, are the
Steering Committee meetings open to the public?
You might not remember this, but I emailed you about a year ago with the desire to see "Welcoming
Communities" principles incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan. I actually started a draft document
trying to tie "welcoming" policies into the territory of a Comp Plan. I had made some slow forward progress,
but my attention was directed elsewhere as of July 6th. But, a commitment to affordable housing is clearly one
way for a city to demonstrate that it is a Welcoming Community.
I realize I have asked an awful lot of questions for someone who is ostensibly not trying to take up much of
your time! If you would prefer to speak over the phone or meet in person, I would gladly do that. I work full-
time and have school-aged kids, so my early mornings are often the time I have available to think about all of
this!
Thank you again, Breanne. Kristine Lizdas
On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 2:01 PM, Breanne Rothstein <BRothstein@wsbeng.com> wrote:
Hi Kristine – I have responded to your questions as best as possible below, but please call me if you would like
to discuss any of these issues in detail.
1)What are St. Anthony's specific commitments to inclusionary zoning? We have no city code
requirements for inclusionary housing. The three most recent projects in St. Anthony have had
affordable housing in them, and a variety of sources of public dollars to make that happen (Legends,
Landings, and Legacy).
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2)Does St. Anthony have a commitment to a specific number of affordable housing units, and what
has informed that calculus? I assume you are asking specifically about the re-development of Lowry
Grove. While we have not seen details in the Preliminary Plat at this time, the city will be requiring
affordable housing to be included in the proposal, as they have in the past three developments. City-
wide, the Met Council allocates affordable housing numbers to every community in the metro. St.
Anthony’s requirement is 38 units.
3)How are the City Planner, City Manager, Planning Commission members and Councilmembers
applying an equity lens to the issues of planning and affordable housing in St. Anthony? There are
three primary ways we are applying an equity lens to the comp plan work. First is through engaging
directly with a variety of people. We have engaged with a broad group of people during our first round
of community engagement, and will be completing another round during the draft plan stage. We
engaged with seniors, immigrants, renters, young families, and high school students, in addition to the
traditional groups of people who normally participate in comp plan development. I’m happy to have a
conversation with you about specifics, but the city’s comp plan website includes summaries of this work
as well. The second way is to examine affordable housing policy, the importance of mixed use and
walkability, sustainability, and associated funding and policy strategies in place. The third way is to
have speakers come in and talk to us about how to do this important work and use the Met Council
resources on the topic. If you have other suggestions, I’m happy to bring those to the steering
committee.
4)What other proactive steps is the City (as represented by the persons and entities already listed)
taking to promoteadditional and protect existing affordable housing in St. Anthony? Has the City
already adopted, or considered adopting, a Resolution demonstrating a specific, or even general,
commitment to affordable housing? St. Anthony has provided cash in the form of TIF and/or support
for application to Ramsey County for HOME dollars to directly fund the development of affordable
housing in the city. From a policy perspective, there is a housing chapter in the draft plan that deals
directly with affordable housing.
I have spoken to Mark Casey about GARE. We have just begun that year-long process, and have not gotten
into any specifics at this time.
From: Kristine Lizdas \[mailto:kclizdas@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2017 6:38 AM
To:jerry.faust@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; Mark Casey; bonnie.brever@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;jan.jenson@ci.saint-
anthony.mn.us;randy.stille@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;hal.gray@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Subject: St. Anthony's Affordable Housing Plan
Mayor Faust, City Manager Casey, City Planner Rothstein, and Councilmembers,
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I am writing in response to the comments made to you at last night's City Council meeting by Kate Martin, St.
Anthony Village resident, during the Community Forum.
Ms. Martin succinctly captured and crystallized several questions and concerns I have for the City Planner,
City Manager, Planning Commission members and Councilmembers: 1) What are St. Anthony's specific
commitments to inclusionary zoning? 2) Does St. Anthony have a commitment to a specific number of
affordable housing units, and what has informed that calculus? 3) How are the City Planner, City Manager,
Planning Commission members and Councilmembers applying an equity lens to the issues of planning and
affordable housing in St. Anthony? and 4) What other proactive steps is the City (as represented by the persons
and entities already listed) taking to promoteadditional and protect existing affordable housing in St.
Anthony? Has the City already adopted, or considered adopting, a Resolution demonstrating a specific, or even
general, commitment to affordable housing?
I also wondered whether the City Planner or any members of the Planning Commission are participating in St.
Anthony's cohort to the GARE program, and whether GARE's toolkit or similar tools are being used to assess
related planning and zoning issues in St. Anthony.
Thank you very much for taking the time to consider my questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Kristine Lizdas
3013 Townview Avenue NE
Breanne Rothstein
This email, and any files transmitted with it, is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are
not the addressee, please delete this email from your system. Any use of this email by unintended recipients is strictly
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prohibited. WSB does not accept liability for any errors or omissions which arise as a result of electronic transmission. If
verification is required, please request a hard copy.
Breanne Rothstein
This email, and any files transmitted with it, is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are
not the addressee, please delete this email from your system. Any use of this email by unintended recipients is strictly
prohibited. WSB does not accept liability for any errors or omissions which arise as a result of electronic transmission. If
verification is required, please request a hard copy.
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To Whom it May Concern-
Please take into consideration the following message and pass along to the members of the St. Anthony City
Planning Commission.
My name is Alex Walker. I'm a homeowner in the Stinson Triangle, the area of Northeast Minneapolis east of
Stinson and south of Lowry. I know there has been a lot of attention paid to the redevelopment likely to occur
in this area, and I would like to comment on a couple of issues pertaining to it.
I'm concerned about the traffic impact the proposed Lowry Grove development will produce. From my understanding, the traffic study that
your commission approved didn't account for the intersection of Stinson Parkway and 18th Ave. NE. As you may know, this intersection
already causes a number of problems when heading south on Stinson and backing up the parkway, and causes significantly more issues when
cars turn left from New Brighton Blvd. onto the parkway, only to suddenly stop due to the number of cars needing to turn left on 18th. I'm
concerned that adding thousands of trips a day will result in that changing from a problem intersection to a dangerous one. In addition to the
cars that get jammed up there, there are many pedestrians and bicyclists who cross that intersection, and I'm worried about increased danger
for them as well.
In addition, I have children -- as do my neighbors -- who cross Stinson at 23rd twice a day every day to get to their school bus drop off/pick
up point. While the Parkway is an ideal location for them to cross at this point, more traffic will only make that more dangerous for them.
It has also recently been brought to our neighborhood's attention that the St. Anthony city planner has proposed
to the city's Land Use Steering Committee that they change the zoning of the area south of Kenzie Terrace and
north of Lowry (Catrina's, the Chinese Day Care, and the five homes behind the Legacy senior housing
complex) to high density residential.
I understand this is just a proposal for your Comprehensive Plan and not a specific plan of action, however I am
vehemently opposed to this idea. I see no way in which this will not increase traffic in the Stinson
Triangle. Our neighborhood is full of kids who ride and run through the streets. We live here because it's quiet
and quaint, much as it is in St. Anthony. I'm sure that with the traffic that will already increase on Stinson due
to the Lowry Grove redevelopment people will come through the Triangle as a proposed development on the
south side of Kenzie Terrace will likely need to provide access within the Triangle.
Again, I understand that this is a proposal at this point, but I want you to understand that this type of
development would completely change the dynamic of the Triangle and I'm sure would force many of our
residents to consider relocating. I need you to understand the incredibly deleterious effect this would have on
your neighbors and ask that you consider that in your decision-making process.
I accept that new development is likely to occur at Lowry Grove, and I'm not necessarily opposed to it. However, I want it to be done
thoughtfully and with concern for the thousands of residents who use that area already for driving, biking, walking, running, and playing. I
don't want to see density for density's sake. I want to see it done in an intelligent way which adds to the established community and increases
the tax base of your city without disrupting the lives of the current residents in too great a way.
I ask that you consider your neighbors and the effect it would have on us BEFORE considering the revenue implications it would have for
your city. Many of us understand the opportunity you have been presented and your desire to pursue it to it's greatest effect. However, our
cities seem to have a strong relationship at this point, and moving forward in a careless, aggressive manner would cause serious harm to the
relationship with your Northeast neighbors. While we don't have voting power to remove the people who have appointed you to your
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positions, we do shop, study, and play in your city. I can only speak for myself, but I would stop spending money in your city were I to know
it was going to a government that was using that money to destroy my neighborhood.
Thank you for your time and attention and for the good work you do for your city.
Sincerely,
Alex Walker
2214 Roosevelt St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-743-1825
bovikaitis@gmail.com
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From: Carolyn Buzza \[mailto:carolynmbuzza@gmail.com\]
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2017 4:31 PM
To: planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Subject: Lowry Grove
Hello,
I urge elected officials and citizens to ensure Lowry Grove redevelopment is an asset to SAV and NE
Minneapolis. Current drawings concern me. We need less density, 2-3 stories high maximum and more green
space. I am concerned about parking and traffic.
Also, we need to understand how this development will impact SAV schools, which is perhaps our community's
greatest asset.
However I can help to influence an outcome that improves upon an already great community, I am here to help.
Thank you, Carolyn Buzza 612-840-3946
Breanne
763-231-4863
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From: Maggie Dreon \[mailto:maggiedreon@gmail.com\]
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2017 4:01 PM
To: jerry.faust@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; bonnie.brever@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; hal.gray@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;
jan.jenson@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; randy.stille@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Subject: Lowry Grove development concerns
Mayor Faust and Council members,
I wanted to take a moment, as a newer resident in the St. Anthony Village community, to voice my concern
over the Lowry Gove/Legacy Developments which are slated to be high density. We moved to this village for a
community that is unlike any other in the Twin Cities area. It truly is a small town near a big city....and we
LOVE that.
It is that element which makes us a village, not a suburb.
It is that element which makes our streets and neighborhoods safe for my 1 and 4 year old daughters to learn to
ride bikes on without sidewalks.
It is that closeness that makes our common goals supported - such as amazing schools.
I worry that this 'high density' development is going to establish conflicts between the values which made us
move here in the first place.
Additionally, I worry about the message we are sending our children by casting out those without, for those who
can afford to have it all. We should be taking care of our neighbors with greater needs. We should be helping to
fix up their homes; not showing them the door.
Additionally, I think we can do better, as a city and as neighbors. We are removing 95 RV sites, but the plan
submitted only allocates 60 rentals as "affordable housing." You cannot consider this to be a submission that
upholds the values of our neighborhood, of our village. Please consider the lasting impact of this decision on
entire community, and on our children.
Thank you for your time.
Maggie Dreon
3305 East Gate Rd,
Breanne
763-231-4863
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Breanne
763-231-4863
From: Audubon Neighborhood \[mailto:mail@audubonneighborhood.org\]
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2017 2:56 PM
To: planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Cc: jerry.faust@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; bonnie.brever@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; hal.gray@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;
jan.jenson@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; randy.stille@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; mark.casey@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;
betsy.hodges@minneapolismn.gov; Reich, Kevin A.; Commissioner Liz Wielinski; atabb@minneapolisparks.org;
mforney@minneapolisparks.org; jerwin@minneapolisparks.org; ayoung@minneapolisparks.org; Gayle Bonneville
Subject: Lowry Grove Redevelopment
To Whom It May Concern:
Please see the attached letter from the Audubon Neighborhood Association in regards to the re-development of the Lowry Grove
property along Stinson Parkway.
Thank you,
Luke
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From: Alexandra Ballard \[mailto:alexkballard@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 9:22 AM
To: planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Subject: New Lowry Grove Proposal
Good Morning,
I am writing to you to express my concern over the proposed re-development of the Lowry Grove RV Park
over 800
into apartments/condos.
I moved into the neighborhood in almost 2 years ago and one of the reasons why I love this area so much is all
the cute original Minneapolis homes, the large green areas and trees and how quiet and peaceful it is. This
development proposed includes a density far beyond that of the rest of the neighborhood.
I am worried about what will happen with all that increased traffic on Stinson and how it will affect the local
businesses and the nearby school.
I would love to see a new living space put on that piece of property, but something that more accurately fits the
look, feel and and lifestyle of the current surrounding neighborhood.
Thank you for your time,
Alex Ballard
2710 Benjamin St NE
Breanne
763-231-4863
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From: Rachel Bode \[mailto:bode.rachel@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2017 10:31 PM
To: brothstein@wsb.com; mark.casey@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; jerry.faust@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;
bonnie.brever@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; hal.gray@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; jan.jenson@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us;
randy.stille@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us; planner@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us
Cc: Reich, Kevin A.; <mail@audubonneighborhood.org>
Subject: comments for Lowry Grove planning
Hello,
I'd like to provide some thoughts regarding the planned redevelopment at the Lowry Grove site. I have reviewed the developer's plan, the
Environmental Assessment Worksheet, the 2008 SAV comprehensive plan, and recent planning commission documents. I am also interested
to learn your position on the current plan, and any priorities to influence and change it, as well as understand your outreach and conversation
with the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park Board, as the project does border Minneapolis on two sides.
Overall, I'd love to see some mixed use, green development in the neighborhood. The current plan adds nothing but density to our
community, but with some thoughtful planning, and strong oversight, this can be a real amenity in our neighborhood, and great gateway
project to St. Anthony.
- 800+ units is a lot of people to add to our neighborhood. Please consider holding to the 25-40 units per acre outlined in your
comprehensive plan, rather than the proposed 54 units per acre.
- Traffic: please consider ways to direct traffic from this development away from Stinson. The Parkway system is not meant to handle
large amounts of traffic, and this development will have a significant negative impact on the Parkway. Additionally, underground parking
should be required to be included in the lease or ownership of each unit. This will decrease street parking, as people who rent in these
buildings may try to get by without paying for parking in addition to rent if it is not included together, and thereby crowding the nearby
streets.
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the current plan is just housing, adding nothing to neighborhood other than density. If we could influence to add green space and
retail, as well as housing (including affordable housing!), it could help the development be seen as an amenity to enhance the parkway,
enhance neighborhood walkability, promote public transportation, and other benefits.
I’m interested in ways that we can support you in driving the plans toward a community amenity.
Thanks!
Rachel Bode
2722 Stinson Pkwy
612-729-8044
Breanne
763-231-4863
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Breanne
763-231-4863
From: Rossbach, Karen \[mailto:krossbach@moundsparkacademy.org\]
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2017 4:34 PM
To: Breanne Rothstein
Subject: FW: proposed development in st. Anthony
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2
Breanne
763-231-4863
From: Mark Casey \[mailto:mark.casey@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us\]
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2017 8:22 PM
To: Breanne Rothstein
Subject: Fwd: Lowry Grove Development Concerns
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From:
Mary Lillestol <lillestol@gmail.com>
Date:
February 12, 2017 at 6:20:09 PM PST
To:
undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject:Lowry Grove Development Concerns
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I'm going to send you these. Can you save them in the 2170-300 folder, under admin docs, correspondence?
Also, can you compile a excel file with all the email addresses that we have in that folder? I'm going to send a
mass email.
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From:
Elizabeth Shaw <allabout40s@hotmail.com>
Date:
February 14, 2017 at 9:23:08 AM CST
To:
"brothstein@wsbeng.com" <brothstein@wsbeng.com>, "mark.casey@ci.saint-
anthony.mn.us" <mark.casey@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us>, "lwielinski@minneapolisparks.org"
<lwielinski@minneapolisparks.org>, "kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov"
<kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov>, "jerry.faust@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us" <jerry.faust@ci.saint-
anthony.mn.us>, "bonnie.brever@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us" <bonnie.brever@ci.saint-
anthony.mn.us>, "hal.gray@ci-saint-anthony.mn.us" <hal.gray@ci-saint-anthony.mn.us>,
"jan.jensen@ci-saint-anthony.mn.us" <jan.jensen@ci-saint-anthony.mn.us>,
"randy.stille@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us" <randy.stille@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us>,
"ttomas@continentalpropertygroup.com" <ttomas@continentalpropertygroup.com>
Cc:
Mary Olson <maryshaw.olson@gmail.com>, Maynard Shaw <myoldcorps@hotmail.com>
Subject:LOWRY GROVE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
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Breanne
763-231-4863
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From: Breanne Rothstein \[mailto:BRothstein@wsbeng.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 3:26 PM
To: Mark Casey
Subject: Letter from Kenzington Terrace
Breanne Rothstein
This email, and any files transmitted with it, is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are
not the addressee, please delete this email from your system. Any use of this email by unintended recipients is strictly
prohibited. WSB does not accept liability for any errors or omissions which arise as a result of electronic transmission. If
verification is required, please request a hard copy.
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From: Breanne Rothstein \[mailto:BRothstein@wsbeng.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 4:41 PM
To: Bode, Rachel
Cc: bode.rachel@gmail.com
Subject: RE: lowry grove
Breanne Rothstein
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This email, and any files transmitted with it, is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are
not the addressee, please delete this email from your system. Any use of this email by unintended recipients is strictly
prohibited. WSB does not accept liability for any errors or omissions which arise as a result of electronic transmission. If
verification is required, please request a hard copy.
From:Rachel.Bode@wellsfargo.com \[mailto:Rachel.Bode@wellsfargo.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 9:54 AM
To: Breanne Rothstein
Cc:bode.rachel@gmail.com
Subject: lowry grove
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From: Michael Gardos Reid \[mailto:gardosreid@gmail.com\]
Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2017 5:59 PM
To: Mark Casey
Subject: Lowry Grove
Dear Mr Casey,
I am writing as a near neighbor of the Lowry Grove community. I had previously expressed my frustration with
the city of Saint Anthony's unwillingness to give current residents more of a chance to pursue redeveloping their
own community. Now the development being proposed includes density far beyond that of the rest of the
neighborhood and reportedly not in compliance with Saint Anthony's own community design guidelines. I
believe the current development proposal should be rejected until it decreases the overall density, provides for
adequate green space and parking and considers the preservation of mature forest on that property.
Sincerely,
Michael and Kate Gardos Reid
2219 Taft Street NE
Minneapolis, MN
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We are writing in support of the residents of Lowry Grove.
support the development of this area without provisions to fully replace the level o affordability that
currently exists. As I understand the plan,most of the current residents would not be able to afford housing in
the new development.
Please allow more time for a fair and reasonable decision that is mindful of the residents of this community and
affordable
the importance of truly housing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jessica and Ryan Haas
St. Anthony Residents
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Hello, I am writing regarding the plans to develop Lowry Grove. I am a resident of St. Anthony and I am very
concerned about all of the families that will loose their affordable housing. My family is mix raced with Latino
and it is my understanding that the majority of the Latino families that live in St. Anthony live in Lowry Grove.
Affordable housing like Lowry Grove gives low income families a way to to afford living in a school district
where houses are out of reach due to the prices. If the families are forced to leave and are not offered a way to
stay in St. Anthony affordably St.Anthony will loose diversity in the schools both racially and socio-
economically. More importantly children will have to leave a school where they feel safe and are thriving and
will most likely end up in a school that is not doing as well as St. Anthony. My children will loose out in having
classmates that look like them and have the same roots. Which may not seem like a big deal but it is a loss.
Other children will miss out in the opportunity to learn about children from another culture. Please consider all
of the families and individuals you will be affecting by this development and look for a solution for them to
continue to have affordable permanent housing in St. Anthony. It's the right thing to do.
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I sent this to the wrong email address....
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From:
Stephanie Mccann <jsjzmccann@gmail.com>
Date:
October 24, 2016 at 10:29:52 PM CDT
To:
ttomas@leasespace.com
Cc:
planner@ci.st-anthony.mn.us
Subject:Lowry Grove
Good evening,
I'm writing today to express my concerns with what is being done to the residents of Lowry
Grove.
My family is part of the St. Anthony community. My son attends St. Anthony Middle School
and previously St. Charles. We live on the border in New Brighton but within the STA school
district border.
This deal is not about what is best for St. Anthony as a community. If it were, it would've taken
into consideration the people you're displacing.
I'm embarrassed to be associated with a community that's doing this to a segment of residents. I
do not support your plans as currently laid out. Some of the most vulnerable members of our
community are being kicked out of their own homes with no plans for the development to
replace affordable housing for those same residents.
You need to have affordable housing within St. Anthony. You need to treat the residents of
Lowry Grove with the same level of respect that you treat anyone else. That's definitely not
happening. You need to make this far more than just a business transaction. This is
personal. You are impacting the livelihood of families.
The case should be given time to play out in court before further decisions are made.
Regards,
Stephanie McCann
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Melissa Gutierrez Nelson
Instagram
Web | Facebook | Twitter |Google+ |
Call or Text | 612.636.4816
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Good evening,
I am writing to participate in your community engagement regarding the development of Lowry Grove - I am a
resident of St Anthony Village. I seem to have missed the meetings with community engagement opportunities,
so I am sending an email instead - I'm not sure how I didn't see notification that you were holding meetings or
engagement opportunities, but I apologize if they were publicized and I am late.
If you are going to proceed with the development of this land, I do not support it and actively oppose it without
hard line guarantees (with penalties for failure to meet the standards) that you are going to meet the following:
1) You must let the court process and HUD investigation and all other systems actions be completed until the
residents have completed all appeals. If you can't do that, how can we trust you in our community to abide by
our local rules and policies? The company with which you are associated has a very negative track record and it
is in my community's best interest to see your demonstrated ability to work within the systems in place to
protect our city and residents' interests.
2) You must take action immediately to significantly improve upon your current demonstrated inability to
provide a safe housing environment - so far, I have seen repeated health and safety violations that lead me to
believe that you are not capable of conducting your business safely. Your word is no longer enough - you must
go farther to prove to us you are capable of complying with or exceeding health and safety regulations and meet
or exceed health risk minimum standards.
3) Your plans must exactly replace the affordability that Lowry Grove represented. An apartment is not
automatically "affordable" simply because it is an apartment, obviously, so you are going to have to do better
for us. You will need to create amenities like a community garden and gathering spaces, in addition to
affordability that matches the current situation. If you need to spend a portion of the money to develop the area
on infrastructure, you must provide transparent records to allow the City to clearly verify your investment in
this area. And you must document your plans to replicate the same number of housing units with frozen, low
rent. You also need to have units with the capacity to house larger families - tiny units for individuals will not
match the loss of the resource that was the mobile home park. You need to demonstrate that you can produce
affordable family housing as well.
If you cannot produce detailed plans on how you will meet these needs, the City takes a loss with your project
and has treated our neighbors badly for no greater good.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Mageen Caines
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Dear Ms. Tomas,
This evening at the St. Anthony planning commission meeting, your lawyer (taking a brief break from rolling
his eyes throughout the testimony of my neighbors) asked that the meeting be refocused back to comment on
your plans for the redevelopment of the park. I'm a homeowner in St. Anthony and would like to offer you my
feedback now. The buildings are fine, what's there to comment on really, these large scale developments are all
pretty much the same- they look pretty on paper and then end up looking like every other building going up in
metro areas around the country. I have issues with the scale- it's way too big for the area. Most importantly, I
feel that your plan does nothing to address the lack of low-income housing in our community. You are
currently in the process of destroying a vibrant community where my low-income neighbors have been able to
access the fine resources our community has to offer. Your plans mention that 90 units will be designated
affordable, but please don't claim that will do anything to address the needs of low income residents. My
feedback is this- sell the park to Aeon/the residents. Many members of the community share my views on the
park, we want our neighbors and friends to be able to stay here in the city. We want our community to prioritize
its people. We will push the council to deny any zoning changes unless and until an alternate plan is put in
place to replace the affordability that has existed at the site for decades and allow current residents of Lowry
Grove priority in that development.
Kate Martin
2513 30th Ave NE
Saint Anthony MN 5418
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Ms. Tomas:
I have been a neighbor of Lowry Grove in NE Minneapolis for over ten years. Out family was fortunate to find
reasonably priced housing in this area, though we struggle, as this is a highly desirable area for families.
In this economy, the need for people who have homes to remain in them is of utmost importance. Replacing
affordable housing with anything else without providing reasonable alternatives harms not only the families that
live in Lowry Grove, but also the surrounding communities.
Asking the surrounding communities to bear the burden of adding all these families further widens the hole of
affordable housing for all of us. Not only will there be higher demand for for affordable housing in NE
Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Roseville and other surrounding suburbs, children may be uprooted from their
school and so will their State subsidy. The school lunch program depends on government subsidized food for
low income students. St. Anthony is known for its excellent schools; not in small part due to the excellent
students, many of whom may leave the district.
We value our neighbors and our neighborhoods. We value them more than we value more business
development. I sincerely hope St. Anthony will keep affordable housing within its city limits. Like many
communities, you have the desire to keep improving and keep shining up your neighborhoods. Razing a
development and displacing our neighbors isn't an improvement. I urge the City of St. Anthony to either keep
Lowry Grove as is or plan to replace the affordable housing that will be lost. The unresolved court case should
be completely exhausted before any zoning changes are made.
Ms. Tomas, I hope you will consider the needs of tax paying citizens far above those of big business. Thousands
of square feet of land remain zoned for business where Walmart once stood. I imagine that was a big loss for
your city. Please consider the message you are sending by choosing to displace families instead of using
resource you already possess.
Your Neighbor,
Tia Weinand
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Tracy Tomas, St. Anthony Planning Commission,
I'm a St. Anthony homeowner that wanted to express my concern about the Lowry Grove development.
I do NOT support the development of this area without provisions that allow the current residences to access the
redevelopment at a comparable level of affordability. Although I don't personally know any of the residents, it
is very important to me that our city is a place where all my neighbors can prosper - particularly my current
neighbors!
There has also been significant research that the poverty cycle is more likely to end when those in poverty are
not isolated and have access to opportunity (good schools, jobs, neighbors not struggling with poverty). St.
Anthony has opportunities and resources and is a wonderful place to live. Affordable housing is a critical
component to make sure the resources and livability are accessible to more people.
I'm in full support of dense and affordable housing being part of the redevelopment of Lowry Grove.
Sincerely,
Rachel Dungca
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Hi,
You can add me to the list of St. Anthony residents who feel that the Lowry Grove community has not been
treated fairly. These people have planted their roots in our great little city. They live here, they work here, their
kids have lots of friends at school here. Yet they are falling victims to a real estate transaction so that someone
can make a lot of money. Is that fair? If someone with a lot of money knocked on your door and said that they
want to turn your neighborhood into a shopping mall, would you take a check and walk away?
Please treat these people with the respect they deserve. We need to embrace them in our community. I want
my daughter and son to be surrounded by all types of diversity - racial, socioeconomic, gender, etc. If we don't
give the Lowry Grove residents a change to remain in our community in homes that they can afford, we lose out
as a community. I'd like for you to make a stronger effort to find a compromise by accommodating this group's
strong desire to remain residents of the city they love.
Thank you-
Ike Whiting
2509 30th Ave NE
St. Anthony
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Hello Tracy,
I am writing you this morning because I do NOT support the re-development of Lowry Grove without a plan to
fully replace the level of affordable housing that exists there today. I am a resident of St. Anthony and my
neighbors in Lowry Grove deserve to have their discrimination case fully played out in court before further
development decisions are made.
These St. Anthony residents - my neighbors and friends - have suffered enough. They have lost the battle to
retain their homes in St. Anthony so it's IMPERATIVE that their welfare and low-income needs be the TOP
consideration as the development planning continues. These neighbors have children in our schools that will be
forced out of district if they cannot afford to remain residents of St. Anthony. This is wrong, immoral and will
forever change the trajectory of these young people's lives.
Please, find it within yourself to elevate the housing needs of the residents of our city higher than the needs of
big business. It is the right thing to do.
Sincerely,
Maggie Whiting
2509 30th Ave. NE
St. Anthony, MN
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unless
out-of-doors
autonomy
economic diversity
reputation
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Dear Tracy,
As residents of St. Anthony, my husband Christopher and I would like to share our distress at the seeming
callousness and social irresponsibility of the Lowry Grove situation. We understand that the existing
infrastructure was beyond saving, and that sale and development were necessary, but would would like to see
any new construction made with a comparable level of residential affordability to that of the mobile home park.
We also feel that the pending litigation should be cleared before any further moves be made on the project.
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Kelly Regan
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Dear Tracy Tomas,
I am a resident of St. Anthony Village. I live at 2926 Armour Terrace. I and am writing to voice my concern
and lack of support for development of Lowry Grove without proper provisions to fully replace the level of
affordable housing that currently exists.
St Anthony Village has some of the highest property values in our area of the city proper and I am privileged to
live in a first tier suburb with great amenities so close to Minneapolis. However, the life of comfort I now live is
a far cry from how I was raised. I grew up in trailer parks, raised by a single mother who spent her entire life
simply trying to make ends meet. Somehow, she avoided public assistance. Somehow, she and my three sisters
and I were never on food stamps. If, however, at any time in my childhood we had been evicted from our trailer
home, which was all we could afford, we would have been homeless. Had that happened, I’m certain the many
options afforded me later in life would have been out of reach. A stable, affordable home is what keeps poor
families together. A stable, affordable home is what nurtures even the poorest of us to go on to college, to live
lives better than those of our parents and grandparents.
I have heard the testimonies of the families of Lowry Grove. Many of the teenage children have taken jobs to
earn an income that will contribute to their family’s well being. That was me. I didn’t play sports or participate
in extra curricular activities like my own children do now. I had to work. I had to help support my family.
My daughter is a fifth grader at Wilshire Park Elementary. The fifth grade students mentor the kindergarten
students in a ‘buddy’ system. My daughter is socially conscious and well aware of the privilege she lives inside
of. A couple of weeks ago when I picked her up from school, the first thing she said was: “My kindergarten
buddy lives in Lowry Grove and he and his family are going to be homeless if they cannot stay in their home.
What can you do about this?” Out of the mouths of babes.
The residents of Lowry Grove need due process in court before further decisions are made about their futures. I
urge you to dig deep into your own humanity and see this as a human rights issue.
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Thank you,
Nona Kennedy Carlson
Nona Kennedy Carlson
Hamline University
"There is an eternal landscape, a geography of the soul; we search for its outline all our lives."
–Josephine Hart
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My neighborhood abuts St Anthony but my concern is not just neighborly but mainly for justice. The Lowry
Grove park in St Anthony which provides decent, safe low income housing in a middle-upper neighborhood is
the ideal which many planners are advocating as a solution to "non ghettoizing" low income housing. I am very
supportive of those efforts.
There is a greater issue of fairness. My understanding is that the residents had the money to meet the owner's
purchase price as well as a right of refusal and met that timeline when the owner sold to a developer. Residents
have challenged that action. No decisions should be made until the court case is decided.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Muller
2811 Ulysses St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
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Kelly M. Wilson, Ph.D.
University of St. Thomas
Theology Department
2115 Summit Ave. JRC #153
St. Paul, MN 55105
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Tracy (and the planning committee),
I am writing this letter to express my thoughts about the Lowry Grove sale and planned redevelopment.
Lowry Grove is an asset to the St. Anthony Village community.It provides a valuable amount of low income
housing that allows for pride in ownership, something that cannot be replaced with an apartment. It gives
people a way for their kids to get an amazing high quality education that is not available elsewhere.
There is no rush to redevelop the land. There is a current court action, plus the HUD investigation.
I would submit a formal request to the planning commission that Lowry Grove redevelopment plans require a
like amount of affordable housing at the same level of total cost that is currently available in Lowry
Grove. Anything less than this is an affront to our community and a clear effort to remove a vulnerable
populace.
I grew up in the Village, I moved back here to raise a family, and I would hate that the lesson we are teaching
the children is that we don't need to respect the people who aren't able to buy the $300k + homes that are now
the norm in our area. Lets celebrate the diversity and opportunity that Lowry Grove offers, and keep it here.
Garrett Larson
St. Anthony Village homeowner since 2008. Graduate SAV high School 1997, Parent of a 2016 graduate and a
current 5th and 3rd grader at Wilshire Park.
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Greetings Tracy,
I am writing in support of affordable housing at the Lowry Grove site. Ideally, I would have liked to see the
residents keep their homes, and an honoring of the buy by Aeon. However, the least that should be done is that
these residents be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity, and that affordable housing remains a part of
this site.
I am a resident of Minneapolis, but live just across Stinson in the Waite Park neighborhood. We need good,
affordable housing in our cities, especially land on transit routes. Please take note of the many in our
community who support the Lowry Grove residents and feel that this property sell has been handled poorly.
Thank you,
Marcy Conrad Nutt, AIA. LEED AP
612.202.2791
1
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing as a proud resident of St. Anthony Village. Affordable housing in our community is very
important to me as a mother of three children, a school social worker, a wife of a home remodeler, a concerned
neighbor, and as a person of faith who desires equity and equality in my community.
Therefore, I do not support the development of Lowry Grove without provisions to fully replace the level of
affordability which exists there now. Please, allow time for the court to carefully consider this case before
making further decisions. Lowry Grove represents a community of human beings who deserve affordable
housing and the quality of life so many of us enjoy here in the Village.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Warmly,
Annika Larson
2800 31st Ave. NE
St. Anthony Village, MN 55418
651.239.7175
annikalarson@gmail.com
1
Can you add this to the group of emails? thanks!
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE smartphone
Breanne
(763) 231-4863
-------- Original message --------
From: lahti008@umn.edu
Date: 8/14/17 9:23 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: Jim Gondorchin <jim.gondorchin@savmn.com>, Dominic Papatola <dominic.papatola@savmn.com>, Dan
Bartel <dan.bartel@savmn.com>, Robert Foster <robert.foster@savmn.com>, Mark Kalar
<mark.kalar@savmn.com>, Jedd Larson <jedd.larson@savmn.com>, Marcey Westrick
<marcey.westrick@savmn.com>, Jerry Faust <jerry.faust@savmn.com>, Bonnie Brever
<bonnie.brever@savmn.com>, Hal Gray <hal.gray@savmn.com>, Jan Jenson <jan.jenson@savmn.com>,
Randy Stille <randy.stille@savmn.com>
Cc: Breanne Rothstein <planner@savmn.com>, Mark Casey <mark.casey@savmn.com>
Subject: Lowry Grove Redevelopment
Dear Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council members,
As a resident of St. Anthony and the Kenzington, I am writing this letter to express my concerns about the
redevelopment of Lowry Grove.
While I am not opposed to the project as a whole, I am opposed to the size and scope of the project and the
impact it will have on our neighborhood.
The 2008 Comp plan calls for the redevelopment of the area to be medium to high density, but at 800+ units,
this is too high density. With this increase in density comes more traffic congestion, noise , and a threat to
pedestrian safety. A development at the lower range of high density (around 400 units) and buildings 3-4 stories
tall would better fit the essential character of the neighborhood.
1
I am asking that you not approve the proposed amendment to increase the density from 40 units per acre to 48
or more.
I am very concerned about the need for this increase in density and the effect it will have on the existing
neighborhood. I feel the developer can accomplish their goals and the city’s goals without this increase in
density. We all want to see a thoughtful, well designed project that is compatible with our quiet, friendly,
walkable neighborhood.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion.
Ginny Lahti
2601 Kenzie Terrace #321
St. Anthony, MN 55418
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
2
--------Original message --------
From: Laurie Parker <llparker100@gmail.com>
Date: 8/17/17 8:42 PM (GMT-07:00)
To: jerry.faust@savmn.com,bonnie.brever@savmn.com,hal.gray@savmn.com,
jan.jenson@savmn.com,randy.stille@savmn.com,Jim.Gondorchin@savmn.com,
Dominic.Papatola@savmn.com,Dan.Bartel@savmn.com,Robert.Foster@savmn.com,
Mark.Kalar@savmn.com,Jedd.Larson@savmn.com,Marcey.Westrick@savmn.com,
planner@savmn.com
Subject: A resident's questions about Lowry Grove redevelopment details
The city and
we, its residents, should not be made to cover the costs of CPG's poor business
decision by having to take on more density than is practical or consistent with
the 2008 ten year City of St. Anthony Village Comprehensive Plan.The former
residents of Lowry Grove, our neighbors, should not be pushed out of our
community by a lack of sufficient affordability of housing.
The density of the project proposed is 48 units/acre which is above what is
called for in the current comprehensive plan(25-40 units/acre) and greater than
the housing density at Silver Lake Village (38 units/acre).
schools, city and emergency services
We want to see documentation
In response to my concerns mentioned above, I am requesting that the
development stay in accordance with the current ten year City of St. Anthony
Village Comprehensive Plan (2008).
1.
2.
Maynard and Elizabeth Shaw
2835 Roosevelt Street N.E.,St. Anthony, MN 55418
August 21, 2017
St. Anthony City Council
3301 Silver Lake Road
St. Anthony, MN 55418
Sent via email: city@savmn.com
Attention All St. Anthony City Council Members:
We have been following the events and news updates with the closing ofand re-development plans
for Lowry Grove. We feel it is time to express our concerns about the project/proposal put forth
by the new owners.
We strongly urge the Council to not amendthe current statutes on density which capunits at
25 per acre and to not allow buildings taller than residential three stories.
We are lifelong residents of Northeast Minneapolis, 28 of those years enjoying our single-family
home in St. Anthony. We do not want to even imagine the chaos that would ensue by jamming that
many units and people (let alone cars) into the space at Lowry Grove. Please do not let our
beautiful city (and zoning statutes) change because there is potential for more tax income – if that
ispotential motivation.
Our City’s infrastructure is right-sized in many ways – roads, parking, school enrollments and
emergency services. With that said, wepersonally already deal with traffic issues along the short,
th
two block stretch in front of our home - from St. Anthony Parkway to 29Avenue, with people
racing at speeds over 40 MPHin those two blocks.Cars cut over from the Parkway at rush hour,
after church and just ingeneral. We are constantly monitoring the street when our grandchildren
are over and playing in the front yard or riding their bikes on Murray. Add another 800+ cars to the
area – please NO!
We have spent every year improving our home and landscape,raising the value for the next
generation. Our neighbors are all doing the same. It’s an unwritten ‘code’ in our City – everyone
works to keep it beautiful. Young families with small children are attracted to our City and moving
into the area for all the reasons stated above – the well-kepthomes, schools, churches, streets and
dependable emergency response teams.
Please understand that wesupport the building of units on the acreage, but imploreyou restrict
th
the number and size accordingly.We plan to attend the meeting on the 28, but also felt that we
needed to state our thoughts and wishes in writing for you all to consider.
Sincerely,
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Mark Casey, City Manager
City of Saint Anthony Village
From: Charles Rickart, PE, PTOE, Traffic Engineer
WSB & Associates Inc
Copy To: Breanne Rothstein, Planner & Todd Hubmer, City Engineer
WSB & Associates, Inc.
Date: August 15, 2017
Re:The Village LLC Traffic Study
Supplemental Traffic Review
WSB Project No. 2170-300
A Traffic Study was prepared for redevelopment of the existing 15-acre, 200 unit manufactured
home/RV park community located in the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Kenzie Terrace
(CR 153) and Stinson Parkway in the City of St Anthony. The purpose of the study was to
determine the potential transportation impacts from the redevelopment of the site. The study was
prepared to be included as part of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) process.
The proposed Village LLC development is anticipated to consist of a combination of multi-
family residential units (townhomes and apartments). The project is proposed to include five, 3
to 5 story multi-unit buildings with a mix of apartments, senior living, and continuing care uses
consisting of approximately 800 units. In addition, the project will include approximately 37, 2-
to 3-story townhome units.
As part of the review process questions were raised with respect to the traffic conditions and
impacts to Stinson Parkway south of Lowry Avenue/Kenzie Terrace (CR 153) and on Lowry
Avenue west of Stinson Parkway. The propose of this supplemental traffic review is to address
the following questions:
1.How many vehicles are there today on: Stinson Parkway south of Lowry
Avenue/KenzieTerraceand Lowry Avenue west of Stinson Parkway (ADT and peak
hour)?
AM and PM peak hour turning movement and daily counts were conducted during the week
of October 10th, 2016 for the intersections and roadways surrounding the site including the
intersection of Stinson Parkway at Lowry Avenue / Kenzie Terrace (CR 153). The traffic
volumes were shown on Figure 4 and Figure 5 from the study.
your
The Village LLC Traffic Study –Supplemental Traffic Review
August 15, 2017
Page 2
Table 1
below shows the existing traffic volumes, based on the counts completed in October
of 2016.
Table 1 – Traffic Volume Summary
Existing 20162030 No-Build2030Build
2040
Location
AM PM AM PM AM PM
ADT
ADTADTADT
PeakPeakPeakPeakPeakPeak
Stinson Pkwy-
South of Lowry 8,0006981,0538,2007161,07810,2508861,29311,500
Ave /Kenzie Tr
Lowry Ave -
West of Stinson 7,0007931,1177,1508121,1427,5008331,1688,100
Pkwy
2.How many vehicles wouldthere be at full build (2030) of the site on: Stinson Parkway
south of LowryAvenue/Kenzie Terraceand Lowry Avenue west of Stinson Parkway
(ADT and peak hour)?
The 2030 no-build condition was determined by projecting the existing traffic volumes with
abackground growth factor of 0.15% per year based on the Metropolitan Travel Demand
model projections.
The 2030 full build traffic volumes were then determined by adding the proposed site traffic
to the 2030 no-build volumes. The estimated trip generation from the proposed
redevelopment project was based on rates for other similar land uses as documented in the
Table 1
Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation Manual, 9th Edition. above
shows the 2030 no-build and 2030 build traffic volumes.
3.How many vehicles would there be by 2040 on: Stinson Parkway south of Lowry
Avenue/Kenzie Terraceand Lowry Avenue west of Stinson Parkway (ADT and peak
hour)?
The original Traffic Study did not evaluate the year 2040 conditions. However, the City’s
Comprehensive plan update currently being prepared did provide projections to 2040. The
plan has not been approved by the City or Met Council so they are still considered draft
Table 1
projections. Peak hour volumes have not been determined or analyzed. shows the
2040 ADT traffic volumes from the draft modeling which has been completed.
4.Can thecurrent roadway designs handle the additional traffic? Will it worsen
congestion duringpeak hour?
With any increase in traffic volume congestion would worsen, howeveran analysisneeds to
be completed to determine what impact it would have on the area intersections and roadway
segments.
The Village LLC Traffic Study –Supplemental Traffic Review
August 15, 2017
Page 3
Roadway congestion is based on the capacity of the roadway. The City’s current
Comprehensive Plan update, Transportation Section,includes a table (Table 1) that indicates
planning level thresholds for roadway segments. Based on this table a two-lane undivided has
a threshold of 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles per day.
Table 1
Based on projections shown in above, both Stinson Parkway south of Lowry
Avenue/Kenzie Terrace and Lowry Avenue west of Stinson Parkway, have adequate capacity
with the existing roadway sections through 2040.
In addition, based on the analysis in the original Traffic Study mitigation improvements were
recommended for 2018 with the proposed development and by 2030 as the area continues to
develop. Specifically, at the Stinson Parkway and Lowry Avenue/Kenzie Terrace intersection
these recommendations include:
2018 with Lowry Grove Development:
Lengthen the westbound left turn from Kenzie Terrace (CR 153) to southbound NE
Stinson Parkway by shortening or removing the existing left turn lane from Kenzie
Terrace to the Bremer Bank Building.
Lengthen the northbound left turn from NE Stinson Parkway to westbound NE Lowry
Ave from 150 feet to 300 feet.
2030 with Future Area Development:
Consider a roundabout or other traffic control improvements at the intersection of
Kenzie Terrace (CR 153)/NE Lowry Ave at NE Stinson Parkway.
5.Should the CR 88 at Stinson Parkway also be analyzed?
During the development of the original Traffic Study it was determined based on direction
from Hennepin County that the intersection of CR 88 and Stinson Parkway would not need to
be included in the analysis. The primary reason was that this location is the intersection of
two county roads and has been identified with operational issues with existing conditions.
The increase in traffic from the proposed redevelopment will add traffic to this intersection
however, the magnitude of increase compared to the existing traffic will not significantly
change the overall operation of the intersection.
If you have any further questions need any additional information, please contact me at (612)
.
360-1283 or crickart@wsbeng.com
General
Existing Conditions, Erosion, and Sediment Control
Grading Plan
your
Storm Water Management
S:\\1Planning Commission\\2017\\08282017\\MEMO -Development plan review -City Engineer.docx
Sanitary Sewer and Watermain
WSB & Associates, Inc.
S:\\1Planning Commission\\2017\\08282017\\MEMO -Development plan review -City Engineer.docx
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