The Land Use Committee gives neighbors an early say on new development and makes recommendations to the City. It meets the first Monday of the month at 7 pm, at our office and online, and everyone is welcome.
Land Use Committee
Development, zoning and what gets built.
We’re where SAPCC talks about development in the neighborhood, and where developers and neighbors meet early.
Meets
First Monday of the month, 7:00 pm
Where
SAPCC office, 2171 University Ave W, and online
Co-chairs
Allan Torstensen and Kenneth Niemeyer
All committee meetings are open to the public, and no sign-up is needed. Come to three meetings and you can serve as a committee member. Read past minutes.
What We’re Working On in 2026
Luther Seminary Campuses
Task force
Following plans for the Lower and Upper Campuses. The Luther Seminary Task Force is reconvening this fall to plan more neighbor engagement.
HealthPartners Como Clinic
May 2026
HealthPartners presented plans for a new Como clinic at the May meeting, with neighbors joining in person and online.
WestRock Site & CEZ
September 2026
The Creative Enterprise Zone shared early thinking on the future of the WestRock site: protecting production and shipping while supporting public space and investment.
U of M St. Paul Campus
Ongoing
Updates on University plans, including new student housing and a new library and student union center expected by 2029.
Variances & Site Plans
Ongoing
Reviewing requests like the Energy Park parking expansion, and hearing from the Met Council on an EV charging study.
From committee minutes and SAPCC’s 2026 Community Engagement & Progress Report.
Bring a Project to the Committee
Developers
Developers present proposed projects to the Land Use Committee for an early community weigh-in before the City process moves ahead. We look closely at sustainability and affordability.
We use our Unified Design Guidelines to start conversations about community-oriented development that adds to the neighborhood’s vibrancy and livability.
Variances
We make recommendations to the City of Saint Paul, as letters of support or dissent, on variances, vacations and other changes to a property that fall outside code. We hear from the property owner, discuss, and follow up with research if needed.
Please contact staff at least one week before the meeting, and send the items below at least two days before so members can review them:
- The ID of the requested variance and a copy of the City form
- Photo(s)
- Site plans
- Letters of support or notes on how you’ve talked with neighbors
Neighbors
Want the committee to discuss something? Email info@sapcc.org at least two weeks before the meeting. Neighbors, businesses and others requesting or responding to a variance are encouraged to share their thoughts.
Guidelines & Historic District
- Unified Design Guidelines (2021): the criteria the committee uses to discuss and evaluate development.
- District 12 includes the University/Raymond Historic District, designated by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Read the HPC’s design review guidelines.
- Saint Anthony Park Community Plan (2022), our 10-year plan, adopted by the City as part of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan.
Past Work
Land Use goals (tap to open)
- Complete a common set of enforceable development guidelines with Prospect Park, Towerside and CEZ, aligned with the SAPCC 10-year plan.
- Create a way to make sure all developers use the development guidelines.
- Continue membership and participation in the Towerside Innovation District and its Eco-District effort, and work with CEZ on whether to join a joint Towerside/CEZ Eco-District.
- Work with CEZ and PED to promote economic development and jobs in South St. Anthony Park, encouraging artisanal or urban manufacturing and maker space in underused industrial properties.
- Connect with other neighborhoods in the arts district.
- Take part in planning the new park (Westgate Commons) on the Weyerhaeuser site and its connection to Pelham Blvd.
- Work with CEZ on a concept and process for a South St. Anthony Park town center near Raymond Station.
- Work with new developments such as the Luther Seminary Lower Campus to make sure neighborhood desires and concerns are heard.
- Support retail activity with Como Avenue businesses in the Como/Carter node.
Other Committees
Get Involved
Your neighborhood, your voice.
Give, lend a hand, or come to a committee meeting. Every bit keeps St. Anthony Park neighbor-powered.
Questions? Email info@sapcc.org • 651-649-5992
All Committees • Minutes and Records • Events Calendar • SAPCC Homepage