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Albert Lea Council approves two rezoning ordinances to allow bank expansion and interstate development
Summary
On Oct. 27 the Albert Lea City Council approved second readings of ordinances 25-147 and 25-148 to rezone parcels for Security Bank Minnesota and for interstate-oriented development, following Planning Commission recommendations; Councilors asked staff to ensure buffering between commercial and nearby residences.
The Albert Lea City Council on Oct. 27 approved two second-reading rezonings aimed at accommodating future commercial growth and interstate-oriented development.
Ordinance 25-147 rezones 642 Marshall Street and part of 437 Bridge Avenue from R2 (one- to four-family residential) to B2 (community business) to allow Security Bank Minnesota to expand parking and building areas. Planning staff said part of 437 Bridge Avenue already carries B2 zoning, reducing the risk of spot zoning. Councilor Baker moved to approve the ordinance; Councilor Van Beek seconded. The motion carried.
Ordinance 25-148 rezones properties at 21133 and 21135 775th Avenue from R1 (single-family residential) to Interstate Development District (IDD) to plan proactively for future sale and development, with the parcels directly across I-35 already zoned IDD. Terry Jensen, a listing broker for the property owners, spoke in support. Councilor Christensen moved approval; Councilor Anderson seconded. The council approved the second reading.
Councilor Baker asked for assurances that any future development on the IDD parcel would include proper screening to soften the appearance of industrial uses adjacent to residential areas, saying, “I just want to make sure that…there’s proper screening to soften the look of an industrial area right across the street from residential.” Officials indicated staff will keep that concern in focus as projects move forward.
Both rezoning items were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and passed at second reading; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript.
The ordinances move the properties into zoning districts the city says are consistent with the 2040 comprehensive plan and intended to facilitate commercial investments and transportation-oriented development. The council did not set additional conditions on either ordinance at the Oct. 27 meeting.
