Planning commission recommends rezoning 20 Newell Avenue parcels to low‑density residential

The planning commission recommended rezoning roughly 20 parcels on the south side of Newell Avenue from Central Business District (CBD) to R2 (low‑density attached and detached residential) following a staff presentation and a public hearing.

Planning staff told the commission the properties are primarily single‑family residential, with five lots owned by a Lutheran church, and that lot sizes and widths are more consistent with R2 standards. “staff does support the city council's direction to look at rezoning these,” planning staff said, outlining four findings of fact: the proposal aligns with the city’s future‑land‑use map, existing uses conform to R2 permitted uses, the designation is consistent with adjacent zoning, and rezoning would address council concerns about lower‑potency hemp edible retail sales in CBD.

A resident, Chris of 12785 Pleasant Avenue, urged the commission to preserve the neighborhood’s small‑town character and to plan for a proposed four‑lane highway that he said will change Lindstrom. “Don't let that happen,” he said, advocating limits on large commercial centers and multifamily buildings in the area and asking the commission to continue allowing modest home‑occupation businesses in residential districts.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm details about home occupations and whether on‑site employees are permitted; staff said they would check local code for specific limits. After brief discussion about prior reviews and the council’s concerns, the commission moved to adopt the staff findings and recommend rezoning the southern side of Newell Avenue (20 properties) to R2. The chair announced the motion carries.

The commission did not take final legislative action; the recommendation will go back to the city council for its consideration as the next formal step.