by Jeff Achen
Thisweek Newspapers

The developers of the retail section of Cobblestone Lake heard concerns raised by residents and Planning Commission members amid an atmosphere of strong support at a Dec. 6 public hearing in Apple Valley.

Planned for the northwest corner of the Cobblestone Lake development is 300,000 square feet of retail stores to include a SuperTarget as an anchor store. In order to add the SuperTarget, developers are requesting changes to Apple Valley's 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

The Cobblestone Planned Use Development (PUD) currently allows for only 23 acres of the total 323-acre Cobblestone development to be developed for commercial use. Developer Ryan Companies wants to "reshape" to accommodate SuperTarget in the planned commercial section, increasing the amount of commercially zoned land by seven acres for a total of 30 acres. The total square footage for actual retail space will not increase beyond the currently planned 300,000 square feet.

If approved, this area would include SuperTarget, a bank, retail buildings totaling around 34,000 square feet, two restaurants and about 1,200 parking spaces.

Planning Commission members and residents raised concerns about signage, traffic, stormwater runoff, building aesthetics and pedestrian access.

The developer also highlighted proposed changes to the language of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan that would allow for special commercial areas in the southeast area of Apple Valley, but not in a level to compete with the city's downtown. It is a concern the Metropolitan Council may very likely want addressed when the Comprehensive Plan comes before them for approval following City Council approval in the coming weeks and months.

Planning Commission Chairman Thomas Melander said the Commission understands that the developers are seeking to establish a neighborhood service center and keep it viable. He said there is general consensus that the developers have worked hard to address all the concerns of residents and city leaders to date. Melander said he expects the Planning Commission will recommend the proposed changes to the City Council when the developer comes before them again on Dec. 20. That is if the developers adequately address the remaining concerns of residents and commission members.

Cobblestone Lake resident Mike Spear came to the public hearing to voice his support of the project.

"We have a great neighborhood. It's about to become an outstanding neighborhood," he said. "One of the things that's going to make this an outstanding development is this retail development."

Resident Cynde Saari is the mother of two disabled adults also living in the neighborhood. She said having SuperTarget and other retail so close by means her children wouldn't have to depend on her for transportation all the time.

"This will add a level of independence to their lives," she said.

A number of other residents stated their support for SuperTarget, but said there were some details they wanted addressed along the way. Those concerns included signage that overstated Target's place in the community. More than one resident said they wanted Target to be part of the community, not the community to be part of Target.

Jeff Achen can be reached at av.thisweek@ecm-inc.com.