062524 PC-CC Work Session SignedPLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council and Planning Commission
Joint Work Session
June 25, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Supple called the City Council and Planning Commission joint work session to order at
6:00 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Mary Supple, Mayor; Simon Trautmann, Sharon Christensen; Sean Hayford
Present: Oleary
Council Members Ben Whalen
Absent:
Planning Chair Eddie Holmvig-Johnson, Commissioners Stephanie Kowalkowski,
Commission Cole Hooey, Brett Stursa, Brendan Kennealy, and Ben Surma.
Members Present
Commissioners Matt Taraldsen.
Absent:
Staff Present. Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Melissa Poehlman, Community
Development Director; Sam Crosby, Planner II; and Kelly Wynn,
Administrative Assistant
Mark Forsberg, Principal with RSP Architects; Amy Gudmestad, MICC's
Executive Director; Ben Lenz, MICC;s Director of Advancement; and Doug
Guests: Jandro, Bumpy Lane Development.
ITEM #1
INTRODUCTION AND PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF FUTURE PLANS FOR
MINNESOTA INDEPENDENCE COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY
Planner Crosby shared that representatives from MICC will be sharing an overview of a
potential project. She stated that staff will be looking for feedback on this presentation.
Amy Gudmestad, MICC's Executive Director, shared preliminary concepts for
redevelopment of the properties at 2000, 2006, and 2018 - 76th Street West and 7532 and 7526
Morgan Avenue. She explained how important a learning center would be for the MICC
community. She noted that they have had to reimagine their plans for a new learning center to
greatly benefit the growing community. MICC has hopes of providing additional program space
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2- June 25, 2024
and complimentary housing. The current concept includes five properties, on the north side of
76th Street between Morgan Avenue and Newton Avenue. Rather than providing both uses on
the same site, as previously envisioned in 2022, MICC is now considering separating them. The
programming would be provided on one parcel, with the housing on a second parcel, and the two
parcels would share access, parking, storm water, and density.
Mark Forsberg, Principal RSP Architects, shared that they have been planning this project
for quite some time and have had to create new plans for the center. He shared an overview of
the new proposal for the center. He explained that the plans are to create two separate parcels
from the five current spaces. Currently they own four of the five parcels and have a relationship
with the fifth parcel. He noted they plan to have a total of 24 units of housing in the west parcel
directed towards neurodivergent adults. There will be parking spaces located in the back of the
building.
Chair Holmvig-Johnson stated that he would like to see bicycle spaces available and an
entrance on 76 and not just on the back entrance.
Doug Jandro, Bumby Lane Development Company, noted there are grants available to
accommodate bicycle use in the buildings.
Mr. Forsberg shared that they would look into focusing on that suggestion.
Council Member Hayford-Oleary stated he believes that since they are proposing a lower
parking space number, they will rely on people to use buses and bicycle transportation more. Due
to this they should make the main entrance on the south side of the building on 76. He noted that
he feels as if this proposal is significantly worse than the previous plan proposal. He stated that in
addition to moving the main entrance to the south side, he would like activity to be reduced on the
north end. He also shared that he would like to see more than 24 housing units. He noted that
sidewalks should extend to the full property lines and create an adequate buffer to surrounding
neighbors.
Commissioner Surma asked about the plans for phased development.
Mr. Forsberg stated the learning center is going to be developed by the MICC, while the
housing units will be developed by Bumby Lane Co. The timing of these projects is not
determined yet but will be independent from each other.
Mr. Jandro shared that many parents in the surrounding area are very eager to have
access to affordable housing for their children following graduation from MICC programs.
Mayor Supple asked what happens if one side gets approval/funding and the other
doesn't.
Mrs. Gudmestad shared that their goal is to create a capital campaign to raise the funding
for the project, so they won't have to rely on outside funding sources.
Mr. Jandro stated they have data from residents that are occupying the colony, they have
found that less than 10% of residents use cars for transportation. Most residents rely on bus and
bicycle transportation.
Council Member Trautmann shared that he would like to see a higher density of housing,
and possibly switching the buildings.
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3- June 25, 2024
Commissioner Surma asked if this project were to be completed, would the MICC still
have a presence in the colony.
Mrs. Gudmestad stated that their intention is to continue to rent out apartments in the
colony.
The Group discussed the possibilities of switching the buildings. They also discussed the
different building placements in regard to the code requirements.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Supple adjourned the joint work session at 6:30 pm.
Date Approved: July 22, 2024
Keo Wy u Brett Stursa
Administrative Assistant Planning Commission Secretary