2025-05-28 Planning Commission MinutesCALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Holmvig-Johnson at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
M/Taraldsen, S/Kennealy, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission
Meeting of February 24, 2025.
Motion carried: 6-0
M/Taraldsen, S/Hooey, to approve the minutes of the Joint Planning Commission and
City Council Work Session of February 24, 2025.
Motion carried: 6-0
ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
M/Taraldsen, S/Kennealy, to approve the agenda.
Motion carried: 6-0
OPEN FORUM
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
May 28, 2025
Planning Commissioners Present: Eddie Holmvig-Johnson, Brendan Kennealy, Cole Hooey, Matt
Taraldsen, Benjamin Surma, and Stephanie Kowalkowski
Commissioners Excused: Brett Stursa
Staff Present: Sam Crosby, Planner II; and Ruby Villa, Planner I
Others Present: Johnny Opara, JO Companies; Erik Bjorum, POPE Design
See Item #2 for public hearing speakers
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Kowalkowski spoke about a recent tragedy in her family.
ITEM #2
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL, A
PRELIMINARY PLAT, A FINAL PLAT, AND A VARIANCE, FOR 42 UNITS OF
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AT 6501 AND 6525 PENN AVENUE SOUTH.
Planner Villa presented Staff Report No. 7.
Johnny Opara, President of JO Companies, introduced himself to the commission and
provided some context for how the project has come together.
Chair Holmvig-Johnson opened the public hearing.
Michael Gormley, 6444 Newton Avenue South, expressed traffic and safety concerns
about the impact the project could have on 65th Street.
John Peterson, 6445 Oliver Avenue South, stated that he is not aware of any traffic studies
that have been conducted regarding the project, and is concerned about increased traffic and
safety.
Several Commissioners had multiple follow up questions for staff and the Applicant; the
group discussed parking, prior neighborhood meetings, pedestrian and bicycling improvements,
and the city’s Traffic Control Committee.
M/Hooey, S/Taraldsen, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried: 6-0.
M/Hooey, S/Surma, to approve the request for site plan approval, a preliminary plat, a
final plat, and a variance, for 42 units of multifamily housing at 6501 and 6525 Penn Avenue
South.
Motion carried: 5-1 (Commissioner Taraldsen dissenting).
ITEM #3
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE DISPOSITION OF
OUTLOT A, WEXLERS SECOND ADDITION BY THE HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RICHFIELD
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No. 8.
Planner Crosby discussed the current use of the remnant parcels and the low possibility
of them being developed for any other use.
M/Taraldsen, S/Kowalkowski, to approve a resolution finding that the disposition of
Outlot A, Wexlers Second Addition by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority is consistent
with the Richfield Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 6-0
LIAISION REPORTS
Community Services Commission: Commissioner Hooey stated that during the April
meeting it was discussed that the Splash Pad project is progressing, and the tentative
opening date is June 6th. Also, an RFP will soon be issued for the park portion of the
Vets Park Project and the groundbreaking for the new Wood Lake Nature Center was
earlier today.
City Council: Chair Holmvig-Johnson had no report.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Commissioner Stursa was absent.
Richfield School Board: Commissioner Kennealy had no report.
Transportation Commission: Commissioner Surma stated that during the last two
meetings, the following were discussed: Metro Transit’s proposed Network Now plan;
the Nicollet Avenue redesign and reconstruction; 494 Phase 2; Safe Routes to School;
and closure of the Portland Avenue bridge.
Chamber of Commerce: Commissioner Kowalkowski had no report.
Sustainability Commission: Commissioner Taraldsen stated that the city will be updating
the Climate Action Plan. Also, new solar panels are being put on public buildings and
Nine Mile Creek Watershed has identified Richfield as a priority area.
ITEM #4 CITY PLANNER’S REPORT
Planner Crosby presented the City Planner’s Report.
ITEM #5 NEXT MEETING TIME AND LOCATION
The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
ITEM #6 ADJOURNMENT
M/Kennealy, S/Taraldsen, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried: 6-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.