Planning Commission rejects “Bridges of Saint Paul” project again

For the second time in less than a year, the Saint Paul Planning Commission on July 27 rejected the Bridges of Saint Paul, a proposal by JLT Group to build a mega-mall type development on the west side flats across the river from downtown Saint Paul.

In a near repeat performance, opponents and proponents of the project filled the City Council chambers to make their case for or against the project during a five-hour public hearing of the planning commissions zoning committee.

Joining FMR in opposition to the proposal were the National Park Service, the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, the Sierra Club, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and three neighborhood district councils. Written comments in opposition were also submitted by the Minnesota DNR, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability and numerous other groups and individuals. Topping the list of concerns were the impact of tall buildings on the rivers scenic values, limited access due to privatization of the riverfront, and the failure of the proposal to meet the citys goals for a neighborhood-scale urban village for the west side flats.

After all the arguments were stated (or restated), the proposal did not gain any traction compared with the Planning Commissions rejection of the proposal last fall. Although the zoning committee was split, the full planning commission sent a strong message when it denied the proposal by a 16-to-3 vote.

The proposal now goes forward to the City Council on September 5 at 3:30 pm for a public hearing and final decision. FMR is encouraging Saint Paul residents to contact their council members and ask them to deny the proposed rezoning for the Bridges of Saint Paul. For more information, visit our pages on The Bridges or contact Irene Jones, outreach director from our contact page.