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Mankato council approves three conditional‑use permits for apartments, fuel tanks and storage units
Summary
The Mankato City Council unanimously approved three Planning Commission items March 9: a conversion adding 13 apartment units (with adjusted TIF expectations), expanded fuel storage tanks at an industrial site, and an amendment to allow self‑storage units in a planned unit development.
The Mankato City Council on March 9 approved three land‑use measures, clearing the way for 13 new apartment units, additional exterior fuel tanks at an industrial site and a change that lets a planned unit development include self‑service storage units.
City Manager Arndt introduced the agenda item and Director of Community Development Mr. Khan described the first request as a revision to a previously discussed "access lofts" project that would convert the building's first floor from commercial storefronts into 13 apartments. "There will be modifications to the dollars that come in for tax increment financing," Mr. Khan said, adding that the portion of TIF set aside to help pay for Henniker Parkway would remain the same and that staff would amend the development agreement if the applicant proceeds.
Council members moved and seconded the resolution to approve the conditional use permit and recorded unanimous yes votes.
The council then approved an amendment to an existing conditional use permit to allow additional on‑site diesel and propane storage tanks at 1711 Energy Drive for equipment testing. Mr. Khan said the tanks would be "self‑contained and installed in compliance with fire code, building code, and MPCA regulations," and described the city's Site Plan Review Committee and pre‑submittal meetings with fire and public‑safety staff as part of the review process. Council member Hatampa asked specifically whether Fire attends those pre‑submittal meetings; Mr. Khan confirmed they typically do.
A third item amended a planned unit development to permit self‑service storage units where commercial condominiums had been proposed; Mr. Khan said the change was driven in part by limited sanitary service at the site and that the applicant had addressed stormwater, wetland protection and parking. Council member McLaughlin asked about ingress and egress; Mr. Khan said the interim driveway would connect to 227th Street and that long‑term access could be adjusted as neighboring parcels develop.
All three measures were approved by roll call with affirmative votes from the members present.
The council's actions also included routine consent‑calendar approvals and an unrelated housekeeping ordinance regarding the local board of appeal. The planning approvals will require follow‑up from staff to amend development agreements and finalize site‑plan and permitting steps before construction can begin.
