Planning commission recommends approval of Cowan Elementary expansion, sends plans to council

The North Saint Paul Planning Commission on Sept. 4 recommended that the City Council approve a conditional use permit amendment and site-plan for Cowan Elementary School at 2131 Margaret Street. Staff told the commission the proposal would add building space, expand the north parking lot, create a new bus-staging area off Margaret Street and eliminate one driveway to improve circulation.

Staff recommended approval after reviewing the project against the city’s conditional-use findings, noting the proposal meets setback and site-design standards for the R-1 zoning district and that the applicant plans a phased construction start as early as next spring with work continuing through August 2028. Staff also recommended the school district consolidate four tax parcels that currently split the school site to avoid property lines through parking areas.

Why it matters: The proposal is intended to reduce on-street queuing and…