Commission voted 7-0 to approve a conditional use permit allowing Michelle and Rob Vogy to operate a type-two home business dance school (up to 8 students at a time) inside their garage at 8924 Mount Curve Road. Neighbors Mark and Mary Schwarz spoke in support. Commissioners raised concerns about street parking restrictions and required the applicant to maintain space for one enclosed vehicle. Decision is final unless appealed to city council by 4:30 p.m. June 9.
Commission voted 7-0 to approve a conditional use permit for Emerald Parachute LLC to operate a cannabis cultivation facility at 8200 Grand Avenue South, the city's first cannabis cultivation use, in a building roughly 80-110 feet from nearby homes. Commissioner Summers voiced hesitant support citing proximity to residences, while others cited trust in odor-mitigation systems reviewed by the building official. Decision is final unless appealed to city council by 4:30 p.m. June 9.
Parks staff Dave Hansen and city forester Dustin Jacobson presented a draft Urban Forest Master Plan showing 35% citywide tree canopy (up 4.7% since 2013) despite emerald ash borer losses, plus a new LiDAR-based inventory of 24,000 right-of-way trees. Staff outlined goals including more private-tree resources, a possible tree-planting permit program, and updating tree ordinances dating to the 1950s-70s. No commission vote was taken; plan heads to the Park Commission next week and City Council for final approval later in June.
City Council appointed Maline Summers to a new term and Robert Coleman as a new commissioner (both July 2026–June 2029), replacing outgoing chair Cookton's seat. Staff also announced planner Dara Navarro is leaving for a job with Ramsey County. Upcoming items include a Seagate Technology campus expansion hearing (June 18), a 33-townhome rezoning/plat for six single-family lots at East 86th Street and 16th Avenue South, and another cannabis manufacturing CUP (July 9).
Staff reported that the Gallery Apartments project at 7900 Xerxes, previously reviewed by the planning commission, was approved by the City Council on June 1.
