Shakopee planning commission recommends approval of Chick‑fil‑A preliminary and final plat

The Shakopee planning commission voted unanimously to recommend the city council approve a preliminary and final plat to subdivide a 4.43‑acre parcel at Old Carriage Court/County Road 21 into two lots: a 3.20‑acre Lot A for a 5,200‑square‑foot Chick‑fil‑A and a 1.23‑acre Lot B for a future commercial user. The commission moved the recommendation after a presentation from city staff and comments by the applicant, then approved the motion by roll call.

City planner Mr. Kerski walked commissioners through the site plan, noting the property is zoned B‑1 (highway business) with a 2040 comprehensive‑plan designation of mixed‑use commercial and that commercial properties requiring subdivision by plat must be surveyed and platted. He described pedestrian access to sidewalk on Old Carriage Court, preservation of existing trees along County Road 21, and internal vehicle access that will use existing driveways and an internal roadway rather than adding direct access to County Road 21.

The commission and staff emphasized traffic mitigation measures: the city plans a roundabout at the Old Carriage Court/Old Carriage Road intersection and a signal near Walmart to address a history of t‑bone accidents at the intersection. Staff said the applicant will fund the traffic signal work. "They'll get traffic to go through these two lots, through the next slot, out to a signal so we can have controlled access," Mr. Kerski said, describing circulation intended to keep queuing off the county road.

Tim Thureen, a local HR Green representative for the applicant, described the site's advantages, including reuse of existing pavement to limit new impervious surface and reduced utility impacts. "Chick‑fil‑A is a really strong community partner, wherever they've been," Thureen said, and said the applicant is directing traffic to the new internal access and the planned signal. He told the commission the company anticipates opening in November, with the roundabout expected to be completed in September, and estimated the restaurant would employ about 100 people overall, with 15–20 on site at a time.

Commissioners questioned whether drive‑through stacking would impact Old Carriage Road; staff and the applicant said an extensive traffic study showed the site has sufficient pavement and circulation to prevent stacking onto the public roadway. Commissioners also noted the second lot's tenant is not yet disclosed but appears to be another restaurant with drive‑through capability; staff said the plat accommodates that use.

After closing the public hearing, a commissioner moved to provide a positive recommendation to the city council for the Southbridge Crossing preliminary and final plat; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call. The commission then moved on to other business, thanking departing members and adjourning at 8:11 p.m.

The commission's recommendation now goes to the Shakopee city council for final consideration; the staff presentation and the applicant's remarks remain part of the record for that review.