Title
Modifying the temporary Interim Use Permit approved under C.F. No. 07-1196 for Abra Auto Body and Glass, 1190 University Avenue.
Body
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Saint Paul, in Council File No. 07-1196, granted an Interim Use Permit pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.357 and Leg; Code § 64.400 to allow Abway LLC. d/b/a ABRA Auto Body & Glass ("ABRA"), to continue operating an auto body repair business at 1190 University Avenue; and
WHEREAS, a zoning study of the Central Corridor was in process and because future regulation was uncertain and development of LRT and redevelopment of the area was likely to be a few years off, ABRA proposed a five-year effectiveness period and the Council, based upon this representation, imposed a condition on the interim use permit providing that the permit would expire on December 26, 2012, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.3597, Subd. 4; and
WHEREAS, ABRA has determined that it would like to remain operating at the 1190 University site and requested that the City extend the permit; and
WHEREAS, zoning staff has reviewed the request to extend the interim use permit and, based upon its review, recommends that the permit be extended based upon the following:
ABRA originally operated as an accessory use at the former Midway Chevrolet auto dealership. When Midway Chevrolet closed, ABRA continued to operate at the site utilizing an interim use approved by the City Council in 2007 under Council File No. 07-1196 which provided that the interim use would expire in December 2012. In 2011, the property at 1190 University Avenue was rezoned from B3 general business to T4 traditional neighborhood district as part of the Central Corridor/ Traditional Neighborhood Zoning Study. Staff is of the opinion that an auto body shop can be compatible with residential and commercial uses that are in close proximity if the body shop is regulated through standards and conditions. For instance, state and federal standards for venting, incl...
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