Canterbury Commons passes first test

Shakopee Valley News

The comprehensive plan amendment required for a $400 million redevelopment plan near Canterbury Park passed its first test Thursday, Dec. 7— the Planning Commission.

The comprehensive plan amendment would allow the residential density Canterbury Park officials are proposing in that area, including a $100 million luxury apartment complex managed by Doran Companies, upscale townhomes and a senior housing co-op.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the amendment to the Shakopee City Council. The true test will come with the Shakopee City Council vote, which requires a super-majority, or four out of five council members.

The comprehensive plan amendment is scheduled for the council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Councilor Mike Luce, who is believed to be the swing vote, has not yet said how he plans to vote but has threatened to vote “no” because he says city officials haven’t given him enough information.

Councilor Matt Lehman has said the plan has too much density for that area.

Company representatives have been trying to develop the land since 2008. Since the residential portion is an essential part of the overall Canterbury Commons plan, which also includes hotels, restaurants, retail, entertainment venues and more, the comprehensive plan amendment is vital.

Current zoning in the area has a narrow definition as to what the land can be used for, Canterbury Park Holding Corporation CEO and President Randy Sampson said.

“We’ve been trying to develop the property a long time and one of the restrictions we’ve seen is that it is very limited,” Sampson said.

Shakopee has a housing shortage with apartment housing over 20 years old and a vacancy rate of 1 percent, Doran Companies Senior Vice President Tony Kuechle said.

“We’re trying to provide a housing option that doesn’t exist in Shakopee,” Kuechle said.

The lack of housing is pushing out older families who want to downsize, Shakopee resident Duane Marschall said.

“A lot of the people that helped shape this town are leaving this town because there’s no place to go,” Marschall said.

Canterbury Park Media Relations Manager Jeff Maday said Canterbury staff are confident the comprehensive amendment will be approved and the land will be developed.

“They’re going to be addressing what the market desires,” Shakopee resident Randy Kubes said.

If it passes, the plat for Canterbury Commons as well as a possible Tax Increment Financing District to fund infrastructure would come before the council in early 2018.

The redevelopment would bring in an estimated $6 million of additional tax revenue each year to the city once completed.