Council approves certified survey map for 7655 S. Sixth St.; staff flags tree‑preservation and development agreement to follow

The Common Council on March 4 approved a certified survey map to divide the existing Red Wall Screen Printing property at 7655 South Sixth Street into two parcels, clearing the way for a proposed 60,000‑square‑foot warehouse on the north lot.

Planning staff described the site as roughly 10.6 acres, with the proposed division creating a southern lot of approximately 5.2 acres and a northern lot of about 4.4 acres. Planning Manager Christine (staff) told the council the northern parcel is heavily wooded; the developer has counted 174 trees on that portion. She said the lot “substantially would not be able to meet the tree preservation ordinance” if redeveloped as proposed.

Nut graf: why it matters The council’s approval of the certified survey map does not finalize site development. Staff and the planning commission recommended approval of the map but conditioned the future site plan and building approvals on a development agreement the city attorney and staff are negotiating. That agreement is expected to propose an in‑lieu payment or other mitigation for the significant tree removals and will be considered by council at the March 31 meeting.

Discussion and next steps - Planning staff advised the Planning Commission reviewed the certified survey map on Feb. 25 and recommended approval with the condition that a development agreement addressing tree replacement or an in‑lieu payment be negotiated and approved by the Common Council. - The owner’s development plan envisions a warehouse on the northern lot; staff said the site “would not be able to meet the tree preservation ordinance at all.” Christine said the developer has counted 174 trees on the north lot. - Council members asked about options including planting trees elsewhere in the city or funding the Forestry Division to plant off‑site. Staff said those options and policy tradeoffs will be evaluated during development‑agreement negotiations and that a zoning text amendment could be drafted later if the council wants to establish consistent policy for similar sites.

Council action The council adopted Resolution No. 12563‑030425 (as recorded in the packet) approving the certified survey map; the motion passed by roll call.

Context Staff and the Planning Commission stressed this is an unusual situation because of the high tree count on a relatively small developable area. The council’s forthcoming consideration of a development agreement and any potential zoning text amendment will set the precedent for how the city handles future development proposals that cannot meet tree preservation standards.

Sources: Presentation and remarks by Planning staff (Christine), Planning Commission review, council discussion and roll call on March 4, 2025.