Most Lake Highlands residents remember the fuss surrounding the proposed seven-story development at the Shoreview-Ferndale corner, which was approved in March 2008 as a mixed-use planned development. Now the developers are requesting to amend and expand the zoning to include the land that occupies TCC Credit Union, as well as White Rock Skate Center. The new zoning wouldn’t change much about what types of business and density the zoning will allow, according to City Planner Megan Wimer. The biggest difference would be that it would cover two additional acres of land. The new zoning would comply with the same restrictions approved in 2008, though the application filed last Wednesday shows a reduced overall maximum height allowance for the property. Wimer says the applicant, named as Shoreview Viola, LLC, was only required to submit a conceptual plan, which doesn’t give much detail about the latest expectations for the property. The conceptual plan shows a mixed-use parking chart noted as “comparable to other mixed-use districts”. A hearing on this request has not yet been scheduled.

Zoning and  development talk in general gives us all tired head sometimes, but I sat up in my seat when I heard the part about the longstanding White Rock Skate Center being in this mix — does this mean the skating rink and credit union will sell out so this new development can happen? Shoreview Viola, LLC is named on the application as “owner” and “prospective buyer”, so I guess it’s fair to assume that they will try to buy the TCC and White Rock Skate, which would lead to a whole new story. But since assumptions make asses and I don’t want to be one if I can help it, I’ve put in calls to the business owners and the developer’s representative, and as I learn more, I will keep you posted.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Update: White Rock Skate Owner Chuck Connor says he isn’t going anywhere.