An apartment complex near the university, another phase to a residential development and a special use permit for an oil service company were among topics at a relatively brief Minot Planning Commission meeting Monday.
The commission acted on a shorter agenda than it has seen in a many months, since oil and a flood heightened activity in and around the city. Oil and the flood continue to affect activity, though, based on the eight items on the agenda.
The commission is recommending the Minot City Council approve a zone-change request from Tom Probst for Alumni Suites, a 24-unit apartment complex on University Avenue West, between Fifth and Sixth Streets Northwest. Flood-damaged homes and an apartment building have been removed to make way for the new development, which will include garages. The building will be three stories with eight two-bedroom units on each floor.
A second phase in the build-out of Bolton Heights Addition also received commission approval. The subdivision and zone change would create 331 lots for single-family and twin-homes on the west side of U.S. Highway 83 Bypass, north of 19th Avenue Northwest. Additional property at the corner of 30th Street and 19th Avenue, west of the bypass, would be zoned for commercial development.
The commission split 7-4 on another request related to a special use permit for an oil-related business on U.S. Highway 83 South, across from UPS and north of 54th Avenue Southeast.
Strad Energy has been leasing the property to conduct equipment rental, sales and repair. Because the business has been classified as industrial, the company and owner Wayne Aga requested a permit to allow the business to continue operating in a commercial zone. Aga explained that, until recently, it was believed the business was properly located.
The majority of the commission agreed to the permit as long as Strad Energy removes pipe, which it has been transferring to its Williston location. There was concern about pumps stored outside the building, but the company offered to build a fence buffer. Trailers on the property also are being sold and removed.
Approval of the permit will take a super-majority of 10 votes at Monday's council meeting.