Development Projects

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What are municipal powers during the development process?

The owner or owners of a property get to decide how they use the land within the rules of zoning and city ordinances. The idea of zoning rules is to balance out the interests of the property owner, city and residents. The city's comprehensive plan lays out general land use rules that determine what types of developments can go where in the city. If the developer meets the conditions laid out in city ordinances, they will be able to build. The city can require the use of a property to conform to what is laid out within the comprehensive plan. In the case of the two proposed developments, both areas are zoned to allow mixed use development of the site proposed.

Where can residents provide feedback during the development process?

Residents will have two formal opportunities to provide feedback on a proposed development project. The first opportunity would be at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on a proposed development. The second time would be at a City Council meeting for which the City Council could either approve, deny or table a decision on the project until a later date. Throughout the entire process, residents can provide feedback to Heather Rand, Community Development Director at hrand@robbinsdalemn.gov. Residents can also provide feedback by contacting their City Council member.

What is a conditional use permit?

What is the Comprehensive Plan?

What is the 60-Day Rule?

What are zoning regulations?

Birdtown Flats

Birdtown Flats is a 152-unit market rate apartment complex on West Broadway just north of Citizens Bank with 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom and studio units and plenty of amenities including underground parking, roof top deck, and pet area. The apartment site plan is shown below. First residents moved in in February of 2020. For more information, visit www.birdtownflats.com.

The Robbinsdale Economic Development Authority (REDA) has allowed issuance of a privately financed pay-as-you-go note not to exceed $2.5Million. It is anticipated that tax increments for this assistance will be obtained in 10 years. A portion of the higher property tax payments from the development are available to repay a privately financed loan. There are no public funds provided to the project either from the City or REDA.

Aerial view of Birdtown Flats Apartment project Birdtown Flats 12-12

Parker Station Flats

Business office and model units are open on a 198 market rate, high-amenities apartment - mostly 1 bedroom with about 20 studio, 30 2-bedroom, and 3 3-bedroom. It includes 2 levels of underground parking, pet friendly areas, and an outdoor pool. The site plan and building elevation are shown below. First residents moved in July 23, 2021. For more information go to www.liveatpsflats.com.

REDA approved assistance in the form of a pay-as-you-go TIF note in the amount of $7.7M for the $52.75M project. A portion of the higher taxes (increment) is available for repayment of a privately financed loan. The increased taxes are not part of the general city tax levy. There are no public funds provided to the project either from the City or REDA.

The amenities package includes individual and group fitness rooms, chef's table, recreational and community rooms, fireside lounge, and home/business office space with technology enhancements. The exterior common area includes fire pit, sun deck, pool, outdoor yoga areas, dining spaces and outdoor kitchen and bar area.

Clean-up of undesirable fill is to be financed with grants from Metropolitan Council ($250,000 confirmed), Hennepin County ($24,468 confirmed), State of Minnesota DEED ($184,438 confirmed) and a developer contribution of $59,500. Additional environmental testing funding is approved by Hennepin County for $24,468.

Parker Station Flats

The Reeve

Site clearance and construction started in September of 2021 for this 118 unit 3-story apartment building. The site plan and building elevation are shown below. The project design was reduced significantly from the original 158 units which had 4 floors. The revised plan only required a conditional use permit for the revised shoreline - the final grading will not change the flood plain impact which was approved in late 2019. The development will add on-site storm water treatment. The project also includes a trail connection between Lilac Parkway and the Three Rivers Trails crossing Highway 100 and the channel between Middle and South Twin Lakes.

The Development Agreement with REDA includes an updated exterior "farm house" style in place of the previous vertical blue accents as well as limitation requiring use of the Three Rivers Trailhead for boating purposes - no boat trailer parking permitted on site. The site plan pushed the building further back from the shoreline allowing for preservation of additional mature trees.

REDA has approved assistance in the form of a pay-as-you-go TIF note in the amount of $3.28M for the $32M project with details in the draft Development Agreement. A portion of the higher taxes (increment) is available for repayment of a privately financed loan. The increased taxes would not be part of the general city tax levy until the loan is paid. There are no public funds provided to the project either from the City or REDA.

picture of proposed front of 4600 Lake Road apartment

picture of development site plan 4600 Lake Road