The original intent of the Apple Valley Central Village, at least according to the comprehensive plan, was that the area would be a pedestrian-oriented development with plenty of mixed use development plots. However it would seem that Apple Valley’s Planning Commission, in its infinite wisdom and desire to become Woodbury, might allow changes to have this area come to resemble something more similar to what’s already available in the real downtown at Cedar/42.

According to a public notice, the Apple Valley Planning Commission is considering altering the original zoning plan to accommodate the desire of a commercial property owner (Legacy Holdings - AVN, LLC) to build more straight commercial properties rather than what is currently permitted which is mixed use residential/commercial. The parcel in question is located at the NE corner of Galaxie and 153rd (across from Two Guys From Italy, Luxury Sweets, Kami Japanese Steakhouse and the former location of Jan’s Brown Bag Deli).While nothing has been determined yet, I would hope that all residents, especially those living in the townhomes nearby as well as those living in the apartments just down the street, join up and voice their concern about the possibility of altering the look and feel of this area to make it very much the same as we already have spread across the rest of Apple Valley. How would you feel if the home you just purchased, with plans to look out over a “old-fashioned downtown” only to find out that you are instead on the outskirts of more chain-owned coffee shops, greasy smoke spewing restaurants and high-turnover commercial locations?

If you’re interested in attending the Planning Commission’s hearing about altering this zoning ordnance, please head out to the Apple Valley Municipal Center on April 2nd at 7PM.

Related posts:

1. Apple Valley Central Village: A City Council Nightmare?
2. 153rd St, Legacy Park, and Apple Valley Central Village: Apple Valley, MN
3. Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce President Agrees Cedar/42 is Real “Downtown”
4. La Luz Cafe: Apple Valley, MN
5. Burnsville’s Broken Heart of the City Revitalization