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Planning commission recommends conditional use for ABC Liquors at 3555 13th Street over resident objections
Summary
St. Cloud planners recommended approval, 3-2, of a conditional‑use permit for ABC Liquors at 3555 Thirteenth Street with conditions that prohibit on‑site consumption, require a hardscape buffer and a mini site development plan.
The St. Cloud Planning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend approval of a conditional‑use permit that would allow ABC Liquors to operate at 3555 Thirteenth Street and make façade and landscape improvements.
Stephanie Strader, senior planner with Community Development, said the property is in the Highway Business zoning district with a commercial future land use; alcoholic beverage establishments for off‑site consumption are a conditional use in that district. Staff recommended approval of Resolution 2025‑032R with conditions including: no on‑site consumption or events that encourage on‑site drinking; a mini site development plan demonstrating compliance with screening and landscape standards; and permanent buffering between the parking area and the street.
John Kelly, the applicant’s representative, told commissioners the applicant “does not sell alcohol on‑site for consumption” and agreed to the buffering and site‑plan conditions. The applicant proposed an aluminum fence and additional hardscape and landscaping adjacent to Neptune Road and U.S. 192.
Several nearby residents spoke against the permit, citing proximity to St. Thomas Aquinas School and the church. Joseph Alexander, who said he lives on Jefferson Drive, told the commission he could see the site from his house and said he feared added traffic and nuisance activity. “Sometimes people going to a liquor store have already had a few,” Alexander said.
Strader clarified the code’s 750‑foot separation requirement applies to establishments that allow on‑site consumption; because ABC Liquors would sell alcohol for off‑site consumption, that particular separation standard did not apply. She said the mini site development plan and sign permits will require further staff review to ensure signage and buffering meet current code standards.
After public comment and discussion, commissioners voted 3‑2 to recommend the conditional use with the staff conditions. The recommendation will go to City Council for final action.
