Commission backs Forcier rezone to commercial and approves TNG Equipment dealer permit for longtime carnival site

The Planning Advisory Commission on May 21 recommended rezoning two adjacent 5‑acre parcels owned by the Forcier family from Agricultural to Commercial and recommended approval of an Interim Use Permit for TNG Equipment Sales LLC to sell vehicles and trailers from a portion of an existing building.

Marc Schneider summarized the request and noted the site’s long history as the commercial base for Gopher State Expositions. Haven Township provided a positive recommendation for both actions. Applicant Gina Forcier told commissioners the property has supported commercial activity since the 1970s and that the rezone would reflect historic use.

The TNG Equipment Sales IUP would allow the Forciers to operate a dealership from a 35‑by‑70‑foot portion of the building with office space and a single detailing bay; applicants said they would not perform mechanical repairs on site and would send vehicles off‑site for service. Recommended conditions adopted by the commission limit vehicles for sale to passenger vehicles, trucks and trailers; cap the display/storage at 10 vehicles; require a Minnesota dealer’s license; set business hours (Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday by appointment); and require compliance with signage, septic and waste rules.

The commission made findings consistent with County rules—concluding the property’s historic commercial use and adjacent industrial/commercial zoning supported the rezone and that the dealership use would not unduly harm neighboring properties. Both the rezone and the IUP were recommended to the County Board for final action.

Next step: the County Board will review the commission’s recommendation and the package of permit conditions.