Posted: 7/3/07
Public hearing on old school property zoning requests July 16
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Caledonia City Council scheduled a public hearing to review a zoning change and variance request for 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 16. Travis Fishel is proposing to construct a 60 by 30 foot two story building for retail sales on the lot just west of the Caledonia Mall on Main Street.
City Zoning Administrator Mike Gerardy brought Fishelís proposal to the city council during the June 25 meeting. Gerardy explained Fishel needs to have the property rezoned from R-2 (urban residential) to B-1-1 (transitional central business district).
"This wouldnít be constituted as spot zoning, since the properties east of the mall are part of the central business district," Gerardy said. The city would also include the Caledonia Mall property as part of the rezoning process.
"But we must determine what we want to have for a front yard setback," Gerardy continued. "In the business district zone, no front setback is required, since most businesses abut right up to the sidewalk in front of their buildings."
Gerardy noted the house just east of the mall (on the corner of West Main and South Ramsey) is set back 16 feet, while the mallís north entrance is 40 feet. "I think it would be good if we set something that would be consistent," the zoning administrator said.
Council members agreed with Gerardy and indicated a 40 foot front setback would be most desirable. The council will include the 40-foot front setback amendment during the July 16 meeting.
Caledonia Argus
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Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com