Council approves land-use changes for former Max Barr site, former post office; updates sign rules

The Mankato City Council voted July 14 to approve three land-use and zoning-related items, advancing plans for a youth sports facility and a redevelopment of the former post office, and approving changes to signage rules for the office-residential zoning district.

In the first vote, the council approved a resolution to amend the guided land use from "light industrial" to "medium density residential" for a property described in the agenda as "146014201430 Second Avenue" by request of Wrestling Brotherhood. Community Development Director Mark Hans said the site is the former location of Max Barr, which burned, and that the applicant proposes to reuse the property as a youth wrestling practice facility. Hans said the project will require additional steps including rezoning, a conditional-use permit and possibly variances. The council vote passed on roll call; no public commenters appeared at the hearing.

Also approved was a land-use plan amendment for 401 South Second Street, requested by Big Blue Hospitality LLC, to…