Planning commission backs Wakota Second Edition final plat for Danner property; conditions remain

At its Sept. 3, 2025 meeting the South St. Paul Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Wakota Second Edition final plat, which clears the last local land‑use step for the first phase of a proposed industrial redevelopment on the Danner property.

Planning staff member Healy said the final plat implements earlier approvals for a multi‑phase redevelopment and subdivides the existing parcel to create a buildable lot of roughly 6.5 acres for a proposed industrial building. The overall property today is a little more than 9 acres; the approved subdivision will also create an outlot for a stormwater pond and a new road right-of-way named for the family associated with the development.

Healy said the applicant, identified in the meeting as the Danner Family Limited Partnership, has addressed many of the conditions imposed at preliminary plat approval and provided response letters and revised plan sheets. One modification in the final plat was to make the stormwater pond its own outlot, a change the city attorney suggested to simplify legal descriptions and easements. Healy said the civil team has already adjusted plan sheets but must have the surveyor slightly revise the outlot dimensions so planned parking will not be too close to a property line; that fix must be completed before the plat goes to City Council.

The plat will be accompanied by standard development documents, including a development agreement that allocates costs and protects the city, and a stormwater maintenance agreement specifying who maintains the pond and how it will be used. Healy said some required easements will be recorded as separate paper easements; one paper easement will cover a sidewalk connection between the Mississippi River Bike Trail and a new sidewalk along Hardman Avenue so the public sidewalk can cross the private property.

Healy also said the site remains in environmental overlays (MRCA, shoreland and Flood Fringe District) and that earlier approvals addressed impervious-surface limits; a variance for impervious coverage had already been granted in a prior action. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service were offered review as part of the MRCA process and did not comment, Healy said. Recording of the final plat must occur within 90 days of approval unless the applicant requests an extension; staff said extensions are available when a good-faith effort is underway.

The commission moved and seconded a recommendation of approval; the roll call recorded six votes in favor and none opposed. Healy told the commission the item will go to City Council with the applicant’s remaining legal documents when those are ready for final council consideration.