Blaine, Minnesota, residents have the opportunity to offer their opinions on a new proposal before the Blaine Planning Commission, as Marla Figueroa seeks to expand on her property at 11704 Meadow Lane NE. Figueroa has applied for a conditional use permit that would allow her to construct an addition totaling 2,008 square feet of accessory building space in a zoning district designated Farm Residential (FR). According to the notice published by the City of Blaine, the project includes a 1,344-square-foot attached garage with an upstairs storage area of 544 square feet, alongside a 120-square-foot shed.
The Planning Commission is set to hold a public hearing on this case, number 24-0039, on July 9, 2024. The hearing, which will begin at 7 PM, provides a platform for residents to actively engage and to freely express their concerns or support. The Commission functions as an advisory group to the City Council and will make a recommendation on the application following the hearing. The plans submitted by Figueroa are available for review on the city's website.
Those interested in participating have multiple options: attending the public hearing in person at Blaine City Hall Council Chambers, submitting written comments via email or regular mail, or simply reviewing the detailed plans and staff report online. For those unable to make it to City Hall, the city provides access to watch the hearing live or on-demand through the municipal cable channel or via live streaming on their official website.
Feedback is an essential part of the application process, and the Planning Department has thus encouraged community members to submit written comments no later than noon on July 8, one day before the scheduled hearing. These comments will then be shared with the Planning Commission, contributing to a well-rounded discussion of the petition. It is important to note that unsigned or anonymous submissions will not be considered. Additionally, any individuals requiring interpretive services or other assistance can reach out to the Planning Department by July 5 to ensure adequate arrangements can be made.
With the public hearing date approaching, the citizens of Blaine have the chance to help shape the landscape of their neighborhood. Through civic engagement and open dialogue, the community will collectively decide if they will grant Figueroa the opportunity to expand her home into something more than what the current zoning typically allows.
