Planning Councils address Bridges

In a letter to Jerry Trooien, the head of JLT Group –the development company that is behind the Bridges of St. Paul project, the West Side Citizens Organization, the CapitolRiver Council, and the West Seventh/Fort Road Federation said that they looked forward to working with Trooien but still put forth the Comprehensive Plan and set a strict tone that wasn’t friendly.The letter pointed to Grand Avenue as a model for the use of T3 zoning. The proposal hasn’t been withdrawn but the request for a zoning change has so that Triooen can try to work with the community.

We also wish to make clear that in reviewing and taking action on the Bridges proposal, we have taken seriously our obligation to do so in consideration not only of the best interests of the West Side neighborhood but also in those of our entire city.

The letter also shows that the community organizations feel this withdrawal was a victory. “We are gratified that with this action [the application withdrawal] you recognize the appropriateness of TN3 zoning for the West Side Flats.”

While the district councils never formally agreed to the deal that Ward 2 Council Member Dave Thune but they are willing to consider working with Trooien.

The three community based organizations intend to created a panel to review the project.

The next big step in this project may come at the WCSO Annual Meeting when new board members can be elected. Parties on both sides of this project will be trying for the seats to sway the composition of the review panel.