St. Robert Bellarmine Academy Receives Conditional Use Permit For Future Waite Park Location

(KNSI) – The Waite Park City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit by a 4-1 vote to chart a new course for the old St. Joseph’s School at Monday’s meeting.

St. Robert Bellarmine Academy hopes to relocate to the building by the fall of next year. Planning Committee member John Dvorak says the organization is well aware of the work needed to bring the location up to code.

“We’ve had multiple tours, including different levels of the planning committee and where they will continue in process, as well as we’ve had construction companies tour and give us input as to what needs to be done to get the building operational.”

The academy would be for grades K-12 and include enough space for 110 students and about a dozen staff. Dvorak says the school is excited to have its proposal approved. “St Joseph Parish wanted a good fit for their property, and we believe we are that good fit. We’re going to be that great neighbor that you’d want in your community.”

Councilor Mike Linquist was the lone no vote. He said he used to work at the site and believes there are several potential headaches with renovating it, including asbestos and poor wiring. The CUP requires sign-off from the city’s building inspector before classes could begin.

St. Joseph’s School is located at 108 6th Avenue North in Waite Park.

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