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Council Meeting Minutes for February 2, 2026 <br />Page 7 of 8 <br />Juba provided details on the plan for landscaping, streets, and other infrastructure improvements. <br />The proposed access locations and street locations meet the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. <br />Future traffic signals are proposed at access points along CSAH 8/Frenchman Road at Fenway <br />Boulevard and Everton Avenue. Developer contributions to the cost of the traffic signals will be <br />considered with the development of the property. There is a roundabout shown on the plan that <br />may need to be moved further south. Victor Path and Fenway Boulevard will need to be <br />extended to connect to Frenchman Road, and easement acquisitions will be required. No full <br />landscape plan was provided, but the site plan showed the cross-section between CSAH 8 and <br />the lots. Juba stated that staff would like to see the lots set back a little more to provide more of a <br />buffer. Sewer and water are available to the property, and the applicant is working with the <br />Metropolitan Council to move the aging interceptor that bisects the property line. The plan <br />showed some regional ponding and stormwater reuses. <br /> <br />Juba updated the Council on comments from the EDA and Planning Commission. The EDA <br />wanted to see more commercial land use but were comfortable with what was shown, noting the <br />downtown area is expected to have higher-quality site design. The Planning Commission wanted <br />a larger buffer from the lift station and to ensure that lots accommodate the needs of property <br />owners. <br /> <br />Juba concluded that the proposal would require amendments to the 2040 Land Use Plan. <br />Development phasing and the traffic study will be important. The architectural design will be <br />reviewed to ensure consistency with the Downtown Design Guidelines. <br /> <br />Mario Cocchiarella, owner of Maplewood Development, Inc., spoke about his experience and the <br />benefits of master planning, which will allow them to make more informed decisions. He <br />acknowledged there were two large undertakings: working with the Metropolitan Council on the <br />sewer interceptor line and working with FEMA on the approvals needed for the floodplain. He <br />said he believed this development plan will work, though it may take some time to fill the <br />commercial spaces. <br /> <br />Krull questioned the Fenway Boulevard extension and whether the area will be able to <br />accommodate vehicle traffic. Mario responded that the roundabout may need to be moved. He <br />acknowledged there will be traffic in the area and that it is a lot of retail to fill, maybe with some <br />medical uses. Krull commented that, though Hugo wants more commercial, they need to do what <br />the market will bear. <br /> <br />Miron noted there were details to be worked out, but overall, he said it was a well-thought-out <br />plan. He appreciated the trail connections. He commented that it was a significant deviation from <br />the existing land use, but the EDA had indicated they were comfortable with the adjustment. <br />Miron appreciated that the plan incorporates water reuse. <br /> <br />Strub commented that the land has a lot of potential and that the days of traditional commercial <br />development are past. He said the single-family housing looks dense, but there would be a nice <br />park. He liked the community center as an amenity. <br /> <br />Petryk said she appreciated that it was a master plan and that she was happy about the park. <br />Weidt said they have been looking for commercial uses there, but the world has changed <br />dramatically, and waiting for large commercial development is likely unreasonable at this point.