2025-09-02 P & Z Minutes - Approved

Home Browse Search

City of Centerville Planning and Zoning Commission September 2, 2025 Ms. Katelyn Murray, Equinox Development & Construction, introduced herself to the commission and stated that they have constructed townhomes and apartments throughout the metro area. She stated that they were glad to be at the meeting to share their vision for the site and the city. Ms. Murray stated that the site’s proximity to major employers, freeway access, etc. make this a very viable project. She stated that their project would provide the needed or lacking housing supply in the rental market and that the site would be highly attractive. She stated that the outside and inside of the units take into consideration a sense of community with diversity for price point, living style, etc. (e.g. one level, two story and three story) versions. Ms. Murray thanked staff and then introduced their management firm representative and the current property owner’s realtor (Ben Drew, Cushman/Wakefield) for their respective services involved in the project. These representatives were available for questions. Public Comments Ms. Lori Tessier, 7223 Bay Drive, Lino Lakes, asked if Equinox Development & Construction’s management group tend to sell the properties or do they hold them. The management firm’s representative stated that they want to become members of the community, join the local chamber and operate as a family. Ms. Tessier also asked why the proposal is for rental versus privately owned residential units. City Planner, Nathan Fuerst stated that the developer, management firm and realtor could answer these types of questions outside of this meeting. Ms. Murray stated that they are proposing a product that they feel would be highly attractive to individuals and that they felt there was a need for this type of housing in Centerville. Mr. Ben Drew, Cushman/Wakefield, stated that they understand the desire to keep commercial space in Centerville, noting however, that the market feedback they are receiving from commercial developers are that the site is too off of Main Street, and there is not enough density during the day. Mr. Drew added that poor visibility from the highway is a deterrent along with being surrounded by residential development in this area. He stated that the property owner agrees with the rezoning. Ms. Teresa Robinson, 2106 Ada Drive, Lino Lakes, introduced herself and thanked the commission for the ability to provide comments. She asked about studies being completed regarding traffic, and use of existing infrastructure potentially taxing them (sewer/water). Ms. Linda Broussard Vickers, 6756 Centerville Road, stated that approximately five years ago the city received a proposal for a larger apartment building on the site and recently lost an additional proposal within a zoning district, which was slated for High Density. She explained that with losing the more recent proposal, Metropolitan Council’s density requirements apply pressure for density in other areas of the city that remain undeveloped. She stated that she felt that an apartment building would assist in meeting those density requirements and relieve those pressures from smaller sites. She stated that the proposed project does not assist with achieving the highest density that could be obtained with the rezoning to R-3, High Density Multi-Family Residential. Ms. Broussard Vickers stated that there was limited land and that Met. Council’s requirements are only going to continue to increase. She concurred that residential zoning as commercial with a retail component would not be a fit for the site. Ms. Broussard Vickers stated that she would hope that the highest density would be what the city would choose even though that was not the choice of several Lino Lakes residents that abut the site felt. Page 2 of 6