The City of St. Louis Park is gearing up for a public hearing that will delve into the request for a variance involving a local shopping center. As reported by the official notice, the Board of Zoning Appeals will convene on March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The variance sought is connected to parking space requirements.
Specifically, the variance in question has been submitted by Tom Schoenberger for 8016 Minnetonka Boulevard – the Texa-Tonka Shopping Center, according to details shared in the aforementioned notice. Schoenberger's Westside Market proposal involves repurposing part of its retail space to usher in a new 26-seat restaurant. The heart of the matter here is the number of parking spaces the city code demands.
It's encouraged for community members to be present in person at the 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard location if they want to raise their concerns or show support. However, those unable to appear physically can still become part of the process; they can send their comments in writing or via email, with the vital caveat that they arrive by 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting to ensure they're considered.
Marcus Hansen, the Community Development Intern, will be the receiver of these public inputs, which can be directed to his email at [email protected]. Alternatively, the comments can find their way to the city hall through traditional mail or a direct drop-off, as long as they're in the attentive hands of Marcus Hansen before the session's start. These comments will be presented to the board and embedded in the formal record of the meeting.
For individuals hailing from our disabled community who might require special accommodations, arrangements can be made. By contacting the city at least 96 hours before the meeting at 952.924.2575, aids will be provided to ensure access to this integral local democratic process. For any lingering questions or clarifications, the same number applies to reach the Community Development department.
