(KNSI) — St. Cloud’s planning commission gave the thumbs up to proposals aimed at breathing life into two vacant buildings and a soon-to-be empty space.
St. Cloud State University isn’t renewing its lease for its welcome center in Coborn’s Plaza on 5th Avenue South. The owners need a planned unit development to turn the 12,000 square foot area in downtown St. Cloud into 16 studio apartments. Community Development Director Matt Glaesman called it a positive change and told KNSI News plan fits into the city’s vision for the area. “We’ve talked very openly over the last couple of years about the importance of bringing housing into the downtown, just eyes on the street vitality, someone to buy the donuts or the coffee or whatever might be in the stores in the adjacent area. This continues to meet that objective.”
No one spoke against it during a public hearing. The planning commission’s recommendation was unanimous.
The commission also unanimously gave its blessing for a planned unit development for the former Tim Horton’s building. The developers had a PUD to operate the restaurant on what is otherwise office space. Glaesman says the change would give the property owners more options, like opening a store. “Given some of the private restrictions that are in place on use of that property, there can’t be any retail uses on the site. So anything other than just leaving it vacant or turning into a professional office building, [so] we have to make this change.”
No one from the public spoke against it.
In a five to one vote, the commission also gave approval to rezoning two lots at 14 and 16 McLeland Road, the old Fingerhut building, near the St. Cloud VA. The owners are asking to change the zoning from I3-industrial to C5-commercial in order to open a go-kart track. The facility could also include bowling, simulators and restaurants. A representative of Viking Coca-Cola testified they are looking at a 155,000 square foot expansion in the near future, which will double the amount of semi traffic in the area. Glaesman explained they had one person who spoke against it, citing the truck traffic. “We still have massive industrial buildings there. We heard one of the people testifying, talking about a significant expansion of their operation, and the trucks will come and go 24 hours a day. That’s a legitimate concern.”
He feels the trick will be to strike a balance.
All three items will be before the city council in May for a second public hearing and final approval. The planning commission gives recommendations however, the council always has the last word.
___
Copyright 2025 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
