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CITY OF LAKEVILLE
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES
September 18, 2025
Chair Christine Zimmer called the work session to order at 6:47 pm.
Members Present: Chair Christine Zimmer, Pat Kaluza, Jason Swenson, Amanda Tinsley, Mark
Traffas, Alternate Erin Duckworth
Members Absent: Scott Einck, John Swaney, Ex-Officio Jeff Hanson
Staff Present: Planning Manager Kris Jenson, Community Development Director Tina Goodroad,
Senior Planner Heather Botten
Others Present: Jeff Koch, Norsq Companies, Josh McKinney, Measure Group
Director Goodroad provided an introduction and background on the sketch plan application for
the 25 acre parcel owned by the Warweg estate, located east of Antlers Park.
Mr. Koch noted that he has worked in Lakeville previously, having developed Northlake Los, the
apartment building in Timbercrest.
e original sketch plan was reviewed by the City Council at work session on February 25, 2025.
at sketch included commercial development at corner of Ipava Avenue and Kenwood Trail, a
four-story apartment building, and townhomes.
e current sketch plan includes expanded commercial space, including an experiential restaurant
and activity use, and townhomes.
Mr. Koch added that he has spoken with the owner of the exception parcel, who is considering
selling the property, but that there is nothing definitive in place.
e property is currently guided OP, Office Park and C, Commercial. e plan proposes changing
the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to a PUD Mixed Use (staff note: PUD is not a land use designation.)
Serving the site with sanitary sewer is a challenge due to the shallow depth of lines in the area.
e primary commercial component would be an experience space (pickleball, playground, etc)
and a restaurant with patio space, either ground level or roof level, outdoor space with a screen for
event viewing of sports and other major events.
e townhomes would be a rental community with two- or three-bedroom units, with rents
ranging from $2,600 to $3,200 per month. e site would include a significant buffer along the
railroad and Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50) rights of way.
Young professionals, young families, and empty nesters are the target market. A similar project has
been constructed in Maple Grove, and the residents are primarily young families, single
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professionals, and empty nesters. e development also accommodates new residents to the area
due to corporate relocations.
Commissioner Traffas asked if there were concerns about the appearance of the units in 10 to 15
years because the units are rented as opposed to being owner-occupied.
Mr. Koch noted that the units use LP Smartside on all four sides of the buildings, are sprinklered,
and have a fire wall between units, which also provides sound minimization. Units are also designed
to allow for the addition of a charging panel in the garage for electric vehicles.
e two-story unit has three bedrooms, while the three-story units are two-bedroom units. e
height of the units complies with zoning ordinance requirements.
Chair Zimmer asked Commissioners for their thoughts about the site plan:
Commissioner Kaluza concurs that OP District uses are not the best uses for the site. He expressed
concerns with traffic in area if that amount of residential is added. He anticipated discussing new
land uses for this area as part of the 2050 Comprehensive Planning process.
Commissioner Swenson concurs on removing the OP District. He wonders about whether
commercial uses will develop on the site given the slow pace of development at Heritage Commons.
Commissioner Tinsley echoed concerns about traffic but noted that she likes the project.
Commissioner Kaluza acknowledged the challenge of developing the site due to the surrounding
areas including the railroad, existing neighborhoods, etc. He added that a traffic study based on the
proposed development to help analyze the proposal would be beneficial.
Commissioner Traffas noted that parking and access are significant issues but also solvable. Given
that the site is in close proximity to the downtown, Heritage Commons, Lakeville North High
School, etc, he felt that a more dense development is appropriate for the site.
Commissioner Swenson is supportive of the housing stock proposed as the city needs the variety.
Chair Zimmer thanked Mr. Koch and Mr. McKinney for attending the work session and sharing
information about the sketch plan.
Planning Manager Jenson provided a brief background on two additional proposed projects, also
on parcels that are owned by the Warweg estate. One has applied for a preliminary plat and the
other is expected later this fall. Both will involve comprehensive plan amendments and rezoning.
e work session adjourned at 7:52 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kris Jenson, Planning Manager