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City planner updates commission on Downtown West, Bell Maple Farm, hotel and transportation projects
Summary
City Planner Brian McCann briefed the planning commission on multiple development projects across Victoria, including progress on Downtown West, the Roars building, Victoria condos, Bell Maple Farm (tabled), several near-complete subdivisions, and upcoming transportation work including a Highway 5 intersection closure March 30.
City Planner Brian McCann gave a city-wide development update to the planning commission, reviewing ongoing and proposed projects across the City of Victoria and a list of upcoming transportation projects.
McCann said the Downtown West project has final plat approval for its first four commercial buildings and the first phase of apartments is near construction, and that the Roars building (the Blue Agave site) and other downtown properties are seeking commercial tenants. Victoria condos received final plat approval for 10 condominium units and about 6,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The Amira site remains without an active developer and is effectively stagnant for now.
On the north end, McCann reported the Bell Maple Farm proposal was tabled by the City Council pending additional materials from the developer, including a feasibility study for a utility corridor; the developer’s 120-day calendar expires in mid-April and council action is expected April 13. At Marsh Lake, a minor subdivision at 8675 County Road 43 received rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment and will be forwarded to the Met Council; the Shores of Marsh Lake second edition applied for preliminary plat and is scheduled for the April 7 commission meeting.
McCann also summarized activity in the Victoria South area (Huntersbrook, Hersburg Creekide, Marsh Hollow, Victoria Ridge), noted Quick Trip has applied for a building permit, West Creek Village received final plat approval for its first phase, and Athletes Village has a pending sketch plat not yet ready for formal review. He confirmed a Victoria Hotel preliminary plat application will come to the April 7 meeting.
On transportation, McCann said Highway 5 work will begin at the intersection of Highway 5 and 11 with that intersection closing March 30 and detours expected; Highway 7 is under study for 2029 reconstruction, County Road 10 (Angler Boulevard) reconstruction is slated for 2029, and Victoria Drive reconstruction for 2028. Staff noted a planned pedestrian overpass off 78th that will connect to the local trail.
During Q&A commissioners raised concerns about aggressive tree clearing connected to Highway 5 work; staff pointed to an open house scheduled for March 25 and county materials available online.
