Development News for New Brighton, Minnesota

Little Voyagers Montessori School Approved to Co-locate with Atonement Church

The City Council approved a conditional use permit for Little Voyagers Montessori School to co-locate with Atonement Church at 1980 Silver Lake Road. The church's existing "King's Kids" program will close due to declining enrollment, creating space for Little Voyagers, which is relocating from Columbia Heights due to a lease expiring. The school anticipates serving 30-35 students, with a maximum of 40 under the permit, operating year-round from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The proposal includes retrofitting an existing playground area with new equipment and replacing some fencing with a six-foot black vinyl chain link. Concerns about traffic, parking, and screening were addressed, with engineering and the fire marshal reviewing the plans. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval, subject to six conditions.

City Joins Lawsuit Against Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Over Antitrust Concerns

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing participation in a fire apparatus antitrust litigation. This lawsuit alleges that certain fire apparatus manufacturers and their association engaged in anti-competitive practices, leading to increased prices, supply shortages, and delayed delivery times for fire departments nationwide. The city has experienced significant price increases for its fire trucks, with one purchase rising by half a million dollars in a year, and delivery timelines extending dramatically. The city has been asked to serve as the class representative for Minnesota cities in this lawsuit. The council expressed concerns about the escalating costs impacting public safety and the ability to maintain essential fire equipment, noting that consolidation in the industry has led to monopolistic practices.

City Approves Easement Vacation and Greenhouse Addition for Global Academy

The City Council considered and approved a resolution for a partial vacation of a pondage and flowage easement at 3000 5th Street Northwest, related to a property owned by Global Academy. Simultaneously, they approved a conditional use permit amendment to allow the addition of a greenhouse to the Global Academy's existing facilities. The greenhouse will be approximately 820 square feet and located on a parking lot island. The project will also involve regrading for improved drainage and stormwater capacity, with a new ADA accessible walkway. Engineering confirmed no issues with water and electricity routing. The vacation of the easement is expected to improve stormwater storage and treatment. The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval for both items. Council discussed concerns regarding the use of the greenhouse, ensuring it remains educational and not for agricultural production, and confirmed that safety cameras would address potential security issues.