Walgreens/Big Top permit granted in St. Paul
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Despite opposition from community organizations, the Saint Paul Zoning Committee unanimously approved a vital permit on December 30 for the redevelopment of the Big Top Liquor in the Midway Shopping Center. Following a December 16 meeting, the Union Park District Council sent the City a letter in which they stated, “this conditional use, and the proposed development of the Walgreens/Big Top Midway Center go against many of the principles set forth in the Saint Paul Central Corridor Development Strategy and the Snelling Station Area Plan, both of which have been adopted as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and should therefore guide development planning to enhance and maximize the success of the Central Corridor.” City staff who reviewed the project disagreed and recommended approval of the permit, while acknowledging the validity of the Council’s concerns. When asked by Commissioner Stephen Gordon to respond to the Council’s letter, Sarah Zohn with the Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development said, “they are legitimate concerns – the development is not consistent with the Central Corridor Development Strategy. The 2007 application came in prior to the adoption of the Central Corridor Development Strategy and it was exempted.” Continue Reading
