St. Paul Council advances rezoning for Hamm’s Brewery site after contentious public hearing

The St. Paul City Council voted unanimously on a motion of intent to introduce an ordinance rezoning five parcels at the former Hamm’s Brewery site from industrial to a T3 (traditional neighborhood) mixed‑use classification, a step that allows the developer and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to continue toward a housing‑focused redevelopment plan.

The rezoning move, approved as a motion of intent, follows a lengthy public hearing that drew several dozen residents, business owners and neighborhood representatives on both sides of the proposal. Supporters said the project would reactivate long‑vacant historic buildings, add nearly 200 housing units including deeply affordable units, and bring public green space and new customers to nearby businesses. Opponents — including owners of Saint Paul Brewing and other existing businesses on or near the site — warned the rezoning would remove a years‑old shared parking amenity and constitute de facto spot zoning that would…