Neighbors Respond to Four Seasons Mall Development
Wednesday night the Plymouth Planning Commission met with developers to discuss the potential future of the vacant Four Seasons Mall.
“Our vision is to transform this vacant mall into a mixed-use site that brings additional senior and family housing options to the city of Plymouth,” said Willy Boulay, a representative from Dominium Apartments.
Dominium’s proposal calls for a three apartment buildings that could accommodate both seniors and families with limited incomes, totaling 430 apartment units altogether.
“We’re active across the Twin Cities and across the country and see firsthand, every day, the need for affordable housing for seniors and working families,” Boulay said. “And [we] hope that this redevelopment can be a small part of a solution to that issue in the city of Plymouth and the broader metropolitan area.”
Dominium’s plans also calls for retail space and a parking garage to accommodate people who use Plymouth’s Metrolink bus service.
Resident Concerns
However, several residents raised concerns about the Four Seasons Mall proposal.
“We’re surrounded by apartment complexes, and I don’t feel like putting another one is the best use of this end of Plymouth,” said Greg Pratt, a Plymouth resident.
“I heard Commissioner Julie Witt say that they’re gonna have subsidized renters in there,” said David Burke, a Plymouth resident. “I just had another heart attack.”
“I think we all agree and we feel that the density is too high, 430 units,” said Thomas Click, a Plymouth resident. “We think that it’s maybe more like 200-250 units.”
After taking public comment, the planning commission weighed in with their opinions.
“I think my message to take to the council is that it does seem to be too high density for the lot. So just take a look, see what you can do,” said Planning Commissioner Julie Witt.
“Do you not want affordable housing anywhere in the city?” asked Planning Commissioner Bryan Oakley. “That’s not acceptable, in my mind. I think it’s important to provide living opportunities for people of varying income.”
The Plymouth City Council will decide what happens next at its meeting on June 25.
