St. Cloud Rejects Road Through Environmentally Sensitive Area, Eyes Wastewater Deal and Neighborhood Rezoning at Monday Night’s City Council Meeting

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud City Council is ready to shut the door on a proposed private road through an environmentally sensitive area.

Brennen Investment Group wanted the road to link to Saukview Drive with their investment property, partially occupied by Bluestem/Fingerhut. The Illinois-based company asked for the road to offer easier and safer access for semi-trucks to a partly vacated building on the site’s north end. In 2022, Brennen got permission to add 12 loading docks to the north building to entice occupants or investors as it is looking to lease out the space or sell the land.

The road would have cut through a 350-foot wooded area that’s a natural buffer between the lot and the adjacent neighborhood. In 1988, the city demanded the area remain a buffer. They repeated that demand two more times, most recently in 2022, when the new loading docks were allowed.

Nearby residents also expressed their worries over noise, truck lights shining in houses, fears of property value declines and increased traffic.

There are also a handful of noteworthy consent agenda items tonight. They include the city finalizing an agreement with Foley to take their wastewater. If approved, the partnership should start this summer. St. Cloud also collects from St. Augusta, St. Joseph, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park.

Changes could be coming to the St. Cloud Heritage Preservation Manual. The book guides the maintenance and improvements allowed to housing in the original homes left in the city. The tweaks address trends in modern building materials, LED and message board signage, active rooftops/greenspaces, and appropriate placement of solar panels.

The council is expected to set a public hearing for May 6th so residents can give their input on rezoning a 54-acre site off 68th Avenue North and 19th Street North from agricultural to residential. A developer wants to build 65 homes in the area over the next several years.

Consent agenda items are considered routine and pass in a bundle unless pulled by a council member for further discussion.

The meeting will start at 6:00 Monday night.

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