In a recent Board of Zoning Appeals hearing, the dreams of one investment group were dashed while others saw their plans move ahead. According to official documents, La Chic Investments LLC was seeking a major variance to transform an existing duplex at 523 Fry Street into a 10-unit supportive housing facility. The zoning regulations call for such facilities to be at least 1,320 feet away from certain living arrangements. Falling short, the proposed project was within striking distance of three other congregate living facilities, the nearest at just 563 feet.
Despite the denial of the La Chic Investments LLC proposal, with a unanimous 4-0 vote, other applications fared better in the board's review. Olvin Adaly Mejia obtained approval to set his new single-family home a mere 0.6 feet closer to his neighbors at 914 York Avenue than the zoning code typically permits. Alatus LLC, under the guidance of Alex Polinsky, had better fortune with their request. The developers now have the green light to mount a 50-square-foot projecting sign on their upcoming mixed-use building at 411 Lexington Parkway North—an ask that exceeds the zoning code’s limits by a considerable 34 square feet.
Mr. Benner II was elected the new Vice-Chair of the Board. The meeting adjourned with this note of leadership change, signaling both continuity and a fresh perspective in the governance of St. Paul's zoning landscape.
