Development at 46th and 46th

Recounting the controversy about the proposed construction at 46th Street and 46th Avenue, Council Member Cam Gordon wrote to the Longfellow issues list on June 13:

“At a minimum, the proposed project will require the following land use applications:

* Rezoning to C3A, OR3 or R6.
* Conditional use permit for 52 dwelling units.
* Variance to reduce the rear yard setback from 11 feet to 8 feet.
* Variance to reduce the north side yard setback from 11 feet to 10 feet.
* Variance to reduce the front yard setback from 21 feet to 7 feet.
* Variance to reduce the drive aisle width for one surface parking stall to 0 feet and reduce the drive aisle width for seven enclosed tandem stalls to 0 feet.
* Site plan review.

“In the event that the applicant were to proceed with the current OR2 zoning, a maximum of 48 dwelling units would be allowed on the site with the approval of the maximum 30 percent variance to the minimum lot area. The Minneapolis Plan for Sustainable Growth designates this site as urban neighborhood on the future land use map. The site is not near any land use features. The 52 units proposed would result in a density of 110 dwelling units per acre. This falls into the high-density category of the Comprehensive Plan, which is primarily higher-intensity multi-family housing at 50-120 dwelling units per acre. The density range for the urban neighborhood designation varies but is predominantly low-density development of 8-20 dwelling units per acre. This land use category is to accommodate

development that is predominantly residential with a range of densities, with highest densities generally to be concentrated around identified nodes and corridors. No land use applications have been submitted for the project to date.”

Council Member Sandy Colvin Roy wrote:

“No one could be more excited than I am at the possibility of a completed building at the corner of 46th & 46th. CPED staff recently gave me a heads up that a developer was interested in taking over the site and I will meet with them tomorrow to talk about what they want to do. I planned to share those plans with the community when I had specific information...

A few days later she wrote:

“I met with Don Gerberding of Master Development about plans for 46th & 46th. While he is a part of the development team at this point, the property would be transferred to new owners if city approvals are achieved. The new developers and owners will be recognized by many in the Longfellow Community - Michael Lander and Alan Spaulding (At Home Apartments). These are the same partners who built and now own River West Commons at West River Parkway and E. Lake Street (with Longfellow Grill & Dunn Brothers.)...

“I asked Mr. Gerberding to reach out to the neighborhood and share information with residents as soon as possible. He assured me that he will make contact with Longfellow Community Council this week.”