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Woodbury council approves Huntington Bank redevelopment at 525 Commons Drive with conditions
Summary
The City Council approved a conditional use permit and site-and-building plan for a new Huntington National Bank at 525 Commons Drive, requiring landscaping, snow-storage, pedestrian-trail construction and staff approval of final materials and signage.
The Woodbury City Council voted unanimously Oct. 22 to approve a conditional use permit and related site-and-building plan for a new Huntington National Bank proposed at 525 Commons Drive, at the southeast corner of Hudson Road and Commons Drive.
City staff member Janelle Schmitz presented the application and told the council the applicant proposes to remove the existing building and construct a new 5,200-square-foot bank. Schmitz said the project meets the financial-institution parking requirement (one stall per 200 square feet) by proposing 26 parking stalls and that the design includes a dedicated drive-through lane and “adequate stacking” for the drive-through. Schmitz also described a proposed new pedestrian connection: "the applicant is proposing to construct a trail…within the city right of way from Hudson Road south to the first access point of the Lifetime Fitness," to provide pedestrian access where none currently exists.
Marsha Kennedy, the planning commission liaison at the meeting, summarized the commission’s review and the conditions the commission recommended. The planning commission moved to approve with amendments to address fencing materials near the access drives, specification of evergreen shrubs to provide year‑round screening of headlights, and consolidated snow‑removal conditions. Kennedy said the commission focused on materials, LED downward‑facing lighting to limit spill onto nearby residences, and timing for the walking-path construction. Schmitz said staff will work with the applicant to ensure timely completion of the walking path and that construction parking must be kept on site.
On architecture, Schmitz said the Seasons Commons planned-unit development calls for architectural consistency and noted the applicant’s plan to use a cream brick complementary to the nearby Lifetime Fitness building. She said the building is approximately 93 percent Class 1 materials — above the ordinance minimum — with a brick soldier course, large windows facing major roads and a green accent at the entrance that reflects the bank’s corporate identity.
The council adopted resolution "20Five-one74" finding the conditional use permit criteria were met and separately approved the Huntington National Bank site-and-building plan (project number "Four-twenty20Five-five84") subject to the conditions listed in supplemental council letter "25-245," as amended to include the evergreen shrub clarification and consolidated snow‑removal language. The roll call for each vote recorded ayes from Council members Santini, Stafford, Wilson, Morris and Mayor Burt.
No members of the public submitted green-sheet comments for the hearing and the applicant did not offer additional testimony at the meeting. Council discussion included clarifying which trees would be removed versus preserved; staff said the applicant will preserve four trees and remove eight, and that landscaping plans call for 12 trees, 72 shrubs and additional perennials. Council members also sought assurance that the trail segment is located within public right‑of‑way so its construction can be required; staff confirmed the pedestrian improvement is within the right of way and will be installed per conditions.
Council approvals are subject to the conditions in the supplemental report; staff will review final construction documents and issue permits per the city’s normal permitting process.
