St. Cloud City Council to Seek Resident Input on Community Center, Drug Rehab Facility and More Next Month

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud City Council will hold a public hearing next month to get residents’ two cents on four future redevelopment projects.

During Monday night’s meeting, the council set February 12th as the time to take comments on a proposed community center, a drug rehab facility, a private school’s expansion, and a big road construction project.

Too Much Talent wants to turn a blighted building in the 1400 block of 5th Street North into a community center. The site is an old 14,000-square-foot industrial facility. The organization wants to repurpose the space for the 40 children in its program. It provides after-school tutoring, plus activities like dance, sports, and physical fitness.

Neighbors have been divided over the issue. Some spoke in support of TMT’s project during January’s planning commission meeting. Others are concerned that the parking lot is too small, with only enough room for eight vehicles at a time.

The public will also have a chance to comment on a proposed new drug treatment facility set to move into the old First United Methodist Church building in the 300 block of 5th Avenue South. The building has been vacant for nearly a decade. It is proposed to have 48 beds and features inpatient and outpatient care. The project got the planning commission’s support.

Last but not least, a public hearing will be held on St. Cloud Christian School’s proposed 22,703 square-foot, three-story addition. St. Cloud Christian School officials say they’re looking at multiple options and want to make sure to get the city’s approval before going forward.

At that meeting, a public hearing will also be held on a proposed $10.4 million project to reconstruct University Drive from County Highway 75 to 15th Avenue Southeast. The design includes improvements for people riding bikes and utility replacements.

The city has received $8.5 million from the 2023 State Transportation Policy and Finance Bill. That leaves $1,973,750 as the city’s portion. Final assessments will be based on actual construction costs and the recently approved special benefits report to determine each of the nearly 100 property owner’s costs.

The public hearings will all take place on February 12th, meeting at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.

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