Ordinance rezoning of properties from P-I, Planned Industrial, to R-3, Limited Multiple Dwelling District (Lot 4, Block 10; Lots 1-2, Block 9; Lots 9-16, Block 7; Lots 1-8, Block 8; Columbia Park Addition and Lots 1-6, Block 24, Germania Park Addition); by request of Fisher Development.

At the June 25, 2025, meeting, the Planning Commission recommended the adoption of the ordinance rezoning the property to R-3, Limited Multiple-Family Dwelling District.

Fisher Development, with authorization from the property owner, is requesting the rezoning of several parcels located along 8th Avenue from P-I (Planned Industrial) to R-3 (Limited Multiple Dwelling District).

The subject properties are legally described as follows: Columbia Park Addition, Block 10, Lot 4; Columbia Park Addition, Block 9, Lots 1 and 2; Columbia Park Addition, Block 7, Lots 9 through 16; Columbia Park Addition, Block 8, Lots 1 through 8; and Germania Park Addition, Block 24, Lots 1 through 6, all within the City of Mankato. The associated Blue Earth County Parcel Identification Numbers include, but may not be limited to, R010906331009, R010906184004, and R010906180008.

The applicant seeks to rezone these parcels from their current P-I designation to R-3 in order to facilitate residential development. The request aligns with existing zoning patterns in the immediate vicinity. The properties directly east of the subject site are zoned R-3 and are developed as residential uses. While properties to the north and south are currently used for residential purposes, they remain zoned P-I and will retain that designation until such time as the respective property owners initiate a rezoning process. To the west lies the former quarry, which is zoned M-2 (Heavy Industrial).
The rezoning request is consistent with the City’s recently amended Land Use Plan. On May 12, 2025, the Mankato City Council adopted an amendment changing the guided land use designation of the subject parcels from Light Industrial to Medium Density Residential, intended to accommodate the development of single-family dwellings, either attached or detached. This amendment incorporated recommendations from the Jefferson Quarry Redevelopment Plan, a small area planning initiative adopted on September 11, 2023, to guide redevelopment efforts in the surrounding quarry area.

The Land Use Plan Amendment was adopted with the following conditions, and those conditions, with slight modifications for this request, are also recommended in the consideration for rezoning of the subject parcels. 

1. At the time of any subsequent future zoning requests for the development area, a more in-depth traffic study shall be provided at the time of application submission to assess the need for intersection geometry or traffic control improvements associated with the subject development.
2. The design of the structures in the area shall be thoughtfully integrated into the existing neighborhood and shall provide high-quality design standards.
3. Prior to future development, the applicant will be required to seek rezoning for the subject parcels, as well as any required zoning approvals for the proposed development.
4. The site development shall provide a multi-modal connectivity plan for the site. The plan shall include a future pedestrian connection from the neighborhood into the quarry.
5. Any future changes to the street network included in the traffic memorandum, such as modifications to Cleveland, Harper or Lind, will require a re-evaluation of the traffic impact information provided. Any costs associated with said changes and study updates will be those of the applicant or successors. 

Infrastructure improvements, which will provide services to the site, are being installed as part of the Germania Park Phase 5 Capital Improvement Project.