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 change the guided land use from "public/semi-public" to "Central Business District." Planner Mark Kantz said the property is the former post office and that the applicant envisions a combination of restaurant and event space, a potential roof deck and patio, office space and a new hotel on the eastern portion of the site; the applicant proposed a parking garage under or near the hotel footprint to meet parking needs. Staff recommended approval and said future actions will include rezoning and review of a planned-unit development or conditional-use permit. The council approved the amendment on a roll-call vote.

The council also approved an ordinance to amend Mankato City Code chapter 10, section 10-17(o)(3), changing signage regulations in the office-residential zoning district to provide parity between office and residential uses, permit both ground and building signs in some circumstances, and limit illuminated signs that face residential districts. Staff said property owners supported the proposed changes at the planning commission and that the revisions align the code with similar provisions elsewhere in the city code.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution (land-use plan amendment) — "146014201430 Second Avenue" (request: Wrestling Brotherhood): motion made on the record; second noted; roll-call vote recorded as unanimous in favor; outcome: approved. Next steps: applicant to pursue rezoning, conditional-use permit and potential variances.

- Resolution (land-use plan amendment) — 401 South Second Street (request: Big Blue Hospitality LLC): staff recommended approval; roll-call vote recorded as unanimous in favor; outcome: approved. Next steps: rezoning, planned-unit development or conditional-use permit, site and parking design review.

- Ordinance amendment — Mankato City Code ch.10, §10-17(o)(3), signage in the office-residential district: motion and second on the record; roll-call vote recorded as unanimous in favor; outcome: adopted. Implementation: updated sign standards and restrictions for signs facing residential districts.

Council and staff remarks

Council members who spoke during the items said they supported revitalizing underused properties. Councilmember (staff reference) said returning activity to the downtown post-office site and reusing a former industrial parcel for youth sports were positive steps for neighborhoods and for downtown vibrancy. City Manager Susan Arndt and planning staff advised that each approved amendment is the first step in a multi-stage process and that additional permits and reviews will be required before construction or change of use occurs.

The council recessed for an EDA meeting later in the agenda and subsequently convened a closed session under Minnesota Statute §13D.05, subd. 3(d) to receive a security briefing on meeting and staff safety; council members said they would take no action following the closed session.

This article lists each approved item as it appeared on the July 14 agenda; where the agenda used a nonstandard address string for the first item, that string is reported as stated on the record.