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Liberty Classical Academy Site Plan and CUP <br />Page 2 <br />2. BACKGROUND: <br /> <br />The property was previously used as Withrow Elementary school in the Stillwater School <br />District. The school was closed in 2018 and has been vacant since that time. Liberty Classical <br />Academy private school has purchased the property and has occupied it for the last few years. <br />The school is currently used be used for their pre-k through 2nd grade education program. With <br />the building addition the school have pre-k through 2nd grade and the high school students. <br /> <br />The applicant has purchased additional property in Hugo and May Township <br /> <br />Staff understands from Liberty Classical Academy that there is a goal for a school campus at this <br />location. The applicant has stated their desire to have elementary, middle, and high school <br />locations on the site. At this time, they are only requesting approval of the approximately 33,500 <br />square foot addition, with parking, stormwater management, and septic system. <br /> <br />There is an existing home and accessory buildings on the property. They are in a life <br />estate/trustees deed to allow the existing house and accessory buildings to be used by the sellers <br />children for a specified amount of time. This area will be remain as is. <br /> <br />3. CONTEXT: <br /> <br />A. Surrounding Land Use and Zoning <br /> <br />The properties to the north, west, east, and south are zoned Agricultural (AG) and are occupied <br />by agricultural uses and homes. <br /> <br />B. Natural Characteristics of Site <br /> <br />The property is Hugo is approximately 37 acres and consists of the existing elementary school <br />and associated fields and parking. The property does not have wetlands on site. <br /> <br />The property is May Township is approximately 45 acres and has a wetland along 122nd Street <br />and a wetland in the northeast corner. <br /> <br />4. ANALYSIS: <br /> <br />A. Level of City Discretion in Decision-Making <br /> <br />The City’s discretion in approving or denying a site plan is limited to whether or not the <br />proposed project complies with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance requirements. If <br />it meets these standards, the City must then approve the site plan. <br /> <br />The City’s discretion in approving or denying a conditional use permit is limited to whether or <br />not the proposed application meets the standards outlined in the Zoning Ordinance. If it meets <br />these standards, the City must approve the conditional use permit.