Otsego council approves preliminary plat for Great River Center; Boston Swim School planned

The City of Otsego council on Jan. 26 approved a preliminary plat for the Great River Center that will allow an outlot at the northwest corner of Parson Avenue and 85th Street to be developed for a Boston Swim School and future retail.

City Planner (name not given) told the council that the comprehensive plan and the PUD zoning allow an instructional, indoor recreation use on the site. The application, which the planning commission heard on Jan. 20, proposes a 9,600‑square‑foot swim school and an anticipated future 11,900‑square‑foot retail building; the planning commission recommended approval, 6–0, subject to 11 staff conditions listed in resolution “20 six‑eight.” The planner said the proposal includes more parking than the zoning ordinance requires and noted that site circulation and multiple access points should distribute traffic adequately.

Duane Boris, representing Boston Swim School, said the company had completed demographic work and due diligence and is seeking to serve families farther north of the company’s existing locations. “Dan has been more than helpful. We greatly look forward to hopefully receiving your approval and moving forward,” Boris said.

Council members asked about parking, access and neighborhood impacts; the planner said the sketch plan demonstrates compliance with PUD design guidelines and that further review will occur during final plat and site‑plan review. Council member Corey moved to adopt resolution “20 six‑eight” approving the preliminary plat; the motion was seconded by Michelle and passed. The developer must complete final plat and site and building plan reviews before construction permits are issued.

Next steps for the applicant include submitting a final plat to establish the lot and a site and building plan application that will be reviewed by the planning commission and approved by the council.