Burnsville council approves land‑use entitlements for ‘Big Hits at the Gateway’ after split vote; state remediation review remains required

The Burnsville City Council voted to approve land‑use entitlements for the Big Hits at the Gateway mixed‑use entertainment complex at 11937 Interstate 35 W after a split roll‑call vote that followed more than an hour of public testimony and technical presentations.

Planning Manager Mike Marosla told the council the application seeks approval of a preliminary and final plat, a conditional use permit for outdoor recreation and building height, and a planned unit development to allow flexibility from zoning standards. Marosla said the site — previously used as a freeway dump and later as a driving range — is subject to overlay districts including drinking‑water protection; he noted the project team and staff expect remediation plans and any state approvals to be memorialized in a development agreement before permits are issued.

Architect Mohammed Lawal, principal at Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, described plans for a three‑level driving range with indoor/outdoor courts, conference and event space, restaurants and youth programming, and said his firm would not…