Prior Lake commission talks 2040 Comprehensive Plan at work session

Prior Lake American

Like many other municipalities, the city of Prior Lake is looking about 20 years in the future.

The city is currently working on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a document that guides the city’s future and priorities.

The Prior Lake Planning Commission held a work session on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and city ordinance amendments on March 12.

One of the bigger changes will be that tribal land owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will no longer be included in the land use plan for the city, meaning the land does not apply toward density goals set by the Metropolitan Council for the city.

“The city of Prior Lake previously guided these properties,” Community Development Director Casey McCabe said. “The guiding of those does not affect our density.”

Also in the proposal was 65 acres, known as the Vierling property, which is guided for a business park and a mixed-use near Eagle Creek Avenue. Prior Lake currently has more than 56 acres available for commercial development and more than 49 for industrial.

The commission also talked about amendments to existing ordinances, including new definitions for practical difficulties, motor vehicle, commercial vehicle, wall and retaining wall.

An official plan would come before the planning commission and the Prior Lake City Council for votes in the future.