Hillcrest Site Plan May Derail Walgreen's

MAPLEWOOD, MN-A new site plan recently approved by the city council includes setback restrictions that may prompt a drugstore chain to delay or drop its plans for a new store. Semper Development’s initial plan for a new Walgreen’s did not fit the design plan for Hillcrest Village on White Bear Avenue.

Developers proposed building the new store at 1706 White Bear Ave. Once a Burger King restaurant, the building would have been 110 feet from the street with parking in front; the city’s design plan called for a 40-foot setback with parking the rear. While the developer revised plans to meet a number of the design criteria, it didn’t budge on the setback.

The city approved a compromise plan that includes a 69-foot setback despite the possibility such action could hinder the development. The design plan came from the city’s design review committee, the planning commission and the White Bear Avenue Business Association. The council approved a 69-foot setback despite warnings that the action might put the project on hold.