Mayor Keith Franke will be available after the Tuesday, Sept. 2 city council meeting to field resident concerns on development in the area.
Franke took to social media recently to explain the process as a new proposed development moves forward, with additional undeveloped land reportedly for sale.
“Sorry to everyone concerned or interested, We were out of town for the first time in 2 yrs,” he wrote. “A preliminary plat, which is design and specs for a development at approximately 85th and Lincoln Ave was submitted to the City months ago. Per law and our ordinances once this is submitted and fees are paid, we MUST review. All policies outlined in City statute were followed. Once it is submitted, it then goes to our City planning firm (WSB and associates) to make sure all City Zoning, ordinance, Met Council density and zoning requirements, infrastructure updates etc.. are followed or need to be changed. Then it goes to the Volunteer planning commission and public hearing for discussion, which notices were sent out for and we did receive citizen input. The commission makes a recommendation to the the council for approval or denial based on requirements needing to being met that meet all above codes, zoning and concerns. This was recommended for approval with all those conditions being met. The council did unanimously approve this plan with all conditions being met, if these conditions are not met then the council can deny final approval. If the conditions are met, the council Has to approve based on initial agreement of approval with conditions.
As far as notification process, as I stated before the city will be looking into better processes in this area.
Now... for the FYI!
All undeveloped land in the city and around the City in our neighboring cities is For Sale for development. Some possibly sooner than others.
There was a proposal down by the Harbor with homes and apartments that failed because they wanted tax increment financing from the city to the tune of Millions and we were not willing to do that. (no one showed for those meetings)
Development that seeks zero money or assistance from the City of St. Paul Park is almost impossible to stop.
There are sellers/buyers rights
Met Council development and density requirements!
State and Federal laws (like we found out when the railroad bought the farm land) and we had ZERO CONTROL over requirements.
We will do our best to work for better ways to inform the public at large.
Just know that I share a lot of the same concerns as you. My entire family lives here. My kids, grandkids, brothers and sister, nieces and nephews.
I will work to balance the growth with what abilities we have to do so, also knowing we do need some growth to maintain a healthy budget to pay the City bills.
If you have issues with trucks, safety, dirt etc.. call City Hall 651-459-9785 or 911 to report to Saint Paul Park Police Department.
I will also make myself available after the next City council meeting on Tuesday SEPTEMBER 2ND at City hall 6:30 pm meeting start as Monday is a holiday the meeting is on a Tues.
I will listen and give an update on what we may see in the future.
Depending on turn out I may host another, stay tuned
Thank you for reading and hopefully understanding. Once again my apologies for communication, we will be working on that!

Here is the initial design map, that should change slightly.

Sincerely, Mayor Keith Franke”

The development addressed by Franke relates to Geneva Meadows, a single family home development currently in process. The city council will next meet Tuesday, Sept. 2 at city hall at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to council meetings.