WORKSHOP ITEM - Lori Johnson, City Planner
Title
POTENTIAL LAND USE CHANGE FOR FORMER AIRPORT PROPERTY AT 85TH AVENUE AND HIGHWAY 10
Background
A developer has come forward with a request for a potential land use change for the 25 acre vacant property at the intersection of Highway 10, 93rd Lane and 85th Avenue. The property was previously owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and was later sold to an investor. This investor now has the property for sale, and Fenway Land Company is the interested buyer.
Fenway Land Company has submitted a narrative that outlines their development request. The request includes 131 row townhomes and an 81-unit senior living facility. They have also submitted an alternate plan that includes a small retail building in lieu of townhomes along 85th Avenue. All proposed plans are attached to this item.
The property has a current zoning designation of PBD-A (Planned Business District-Airport) and a land use designation of ABD (Airport Business District). The PBD-A zoning district has a very specific list of 12 uses that are allowed which are industrial and commercial in nature.
The zoning and land use designation was put into place in 2015 at the request of the MAC when they were trying to sell some of their non-airport related properties. At the time, medium density residential land use was discussed as a potential use, however MAC opposed it due to the proximity to the airport.
If the Council were to be favorable towards a zoning/land use change for this proposal, the DF zoning designation is suggested along with a land use of MDR/HDR (Medium Density Residential/High Density Residential). This land use change would require the approval from the Met Council.
Recommendation
Review this request and provide application guidance to the proposed developer.