Hello Chanhassen Residents,
Two significant development proposals were approved at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Below is a high-level overview, but if you have additional questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Chanhassen Cinema and Hotel Redevelopment
The City Council approved the 4-acre redevelopment of the Chanhassen Cinema and Country Inn & Suites. Please follow this link to review the final plans. As I had shared, we tabled the item on March 11 and held two consecutive Work Session meetings to improve on the design and architecture as at the time it lacked important design elements. The final design was greatly enhanced and met the elevated downtown design standards we felt were important to this project.
Other concerns from residents were related to traffic and parking. While the city is working on a comprehensive downtown traffic plan, I asked for City Council’s support to make the Laredo Drive extension connect through to Market Street as part of this proposal versus waiting until a future opportunity. By allowing this extension, the western apartment building’s residents and retail would be able to exit to the south versus all vehicles feeding onto to W. 78th. Discussions with property owner Kraus- Anderson have been initiated. We believe this element is vital to addressing current and future growth.
Other updates:
- Additional parking was included in the updated plans. There are 406 stalls of structured parking.
- Improving walkability: The sidewalk gap on the south side of W. 78th in front of the project site east to the Dinner Theatre will be addressed with new sidewalk.
- Approved framework for approximately $6.3 million in Tax Incremental Financing. Of note: today’s property taxes paid of about $104,761 would continue to be paid throughout the 16-year agreement to all taxing jurisdictions (city, county, schools, etc). When the TIF is paid off the property taxes coming back on the tax roll is anticipated to be $970,309.
Civic Campus
The City Council approved the preliminary plat and site plan for the new Civic Campus. The development is proposing two development phases; the first phase includes the construction of the new city hall and senior center as well as the associated parking, and the second phase will include the demolition of the old city hall and the construction of the new park pavilion and its associated amenities. Construction is expected to begin in June 2024.
Downtown will be going through a transformative time over the next couple of years. We are excited about the developments and the future of downtown Chanhassen. For years, we have heard the desire for Chanhassen to be a destination for restaurants and retail, and for growing a strong sense of community that we have worked hard to achieve. We are optimistic that these projects will fulfill that ask and bring new energy and interest in our great community.
Road Projects
Galpin Blvd reconstruction is underway. Starting Monday, April 22, Galpin will be closed from Lake Harrison Road to just north of Pheasant Drive. This closure will be in effect from Monday until mid-summer. Please be sure to follow the project page for updates.
On Monday, April 22, City Council will be holding a Public Hearing to consider a resolution accepting the bids and awarding the contract, and adopting the assessment roll for the 2024 City Pavement Rehabilitation Project. For more information on the 2024 project follow this link.
Cable Franchise Agreement
I have recently received numerous emails regarding changes to Mediacom’s service. While I wish there was more the city could do, these companies are regulated by the FCC and the city has no oversight. Mediacom has an escalation team named Total Care that can be reached at totalcare@mediacomcc.com.
Additionally, City Council will be holding a public hearing on Monday, April 22 to review the Franchise Agreement with Comcast to provide cable services. Their goal is to begin construction this summer.
The City is supportive of having multiple providers, allowing our residents to find a service and plan that is right for them.
Moe's Char House
We are thrilled to welcome a new sit-down restaurant in downtown Chanhassen. Moe’s Char House is located in the old Axel’s site along W. 78th. On Monday, the city approved their liquor license and a new menu will be unveiled on May 1. The owners expressed excitement about being in Chanhassen!
Thank you for reading this lengthy email. I welcome your questions, comments, and feedback, eryan@chanhassenmn.gov.
Warmest Regards,
Elise Ryan
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