St. Cloud Planning Commission to Consider Rezoning Selke Field for Multi-Unit Housing

(KNSI) – St. Cloud’s Planning Commission is holding a public hearing next week on possibly rezoning Selke Field to allow for multi-unit housing.

A letter was sent to homeowners within 500 feet of the property earlier this week, informing them of the potential change. St. Cloud State University owns the land and requests the property change from an R-2 to an R-5 zone. An R-2 zone allows for the construction of single-family and duplexes. The district also allows limited non-residential uses compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

The R-5 classification allows a multi-family residential district to provide high-density development, including multi-family dwellings up to four stories high.

Those who attend the hearing will be able to give testimony about how they feel, ask questions and hear additional information on the request.

In a statement emailed to KNSI News, SCSU Vice President for Finance and Administration Larry Lee said, “The University hasn’t made plans to sell Selke Field. We are currently exploring what zoning can be done for the space’s future flexibility.”

The sports facility is home to the SCSU softball team, but the program plans to move the games to Husky Stadium. The ten-acre space is also the home field for the rugby, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee clubs. Along with the softball diamond, there are also six athletic fields. The varsity football team played there from 1937 to 2003 when they moved to Husky Stadium. The program ended in 2019.

The stadium complex is encircled by its trademark granite wall, constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.

The planning commission will meet is Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall. The commission is an advisory committee, and any final decision will be left to the city council at a later date.

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