After Being Stuck in Neutral, Gilleland Chevrolet Gets Green Light for Expansion Plans Following Rezoning Request Approval

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request from Gilleland Chevrolet at Monday’s meeting, two months after it tabled the issue.

The dealership asked for land it had purchased to be rezoned from residential to commercial after purchasing two single-family homes on 31st Avenue North. They plan to bulldoze them to create space to expand their lot and allow for a new mechanic shop. The design calls for St. Cloud to vacate a nearby alley.

The council ordered the dealership to meet with area residents regarding concerns they had about the plans. At a public hearing in April, five neighbors spoke against the project, with many claiming they’ve had difficulty with Gilleland’s workers parking on the street in front of their homes despite having ample parking. The neighbors also voiced concern over flooding in the area due to the dealership’s snowpack melting on the land. There were other concerns about car alarms going off randomly.

Community Development Director Matt Glaesman told KNSI News it’s not required, but staff strongly encourage applicants to get the approval of neighbors before seeking a formal change.

Officials with Gilleland met with neighbors on May 9th to discuss their plans. Glaesman says city staff was not in attendance, but they did receive a log of what was discussed and entered it into the public record.

Gilleland is paying for the project, so nearby landowners won’t be assessed for anything connected to it.

No construction start date has been announced.

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