Shakopee Council Addresses Social District Plans and Housing Development
By Carter McNew
The Shakopee City Council tackled two significant topics in its last two meetings: a workshop discussing the much-anticipated social district and the approval of an amendment to a planned residential development. Here’s a breakdown of these discussions and decisions.
Social District Workshop Explores Open-Container Possibilities
On March 18, the council held a workshop on the proposed Shakopee Social District, an initiative that would allow for open-container alcohol consumption within designated areas of the city. The discussion answered several key questions about how the district would operate.
What is a Social District?
A social district permits individuals to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments and carry them openly throughout a defined area. Anoka has implemented a similar district following a state-level approval process, and Stillwater is in the planning process for theirs.
Where Would the Social District Be Located?
The proposal includes two separate districts:
Downtown Shakopee: Initial boundaries are Highway 101 (north), railroad tracks (south), Fuller Street (west), and Spencer Street (east). However, discussions suggested expanding the district south and west to incorporate more businesses.
Canterbury Park Area: Suggested boundaries are County Road 83 (east), Unbridled Avenue (north), Shenandoah Drive (west and south), and 12th Avenue (south).
What Rules Would Govern the Social District?
Beverages leaving establishments must be served in clear, marked, disposable cups.
Businesses can choose to participate or opt out.
The district would operate seasonally, from May to October, with additional dates for events such as Winterfest.
The proposed cut-off time for alcohol consumption in the district is 10 p.m., mirroring Anoka’s policy.
What Would It Cost?
To fund operations, a per-drink fee (tentatively $0.50) may be implemented. These funds would cover necessary expenses such as signage, trash collection, and any required law enforcement presence. The City Council emphasized that any fees would be designed to offset costs rather than generate revenue.
As the social district proposal progresses, additional details and regulations will be established. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Bluff View Development Amendment Approved
At its March 4 meeting, the council revisited the "Amendment of Planned Unit Development (PUD) District #10 (Bluff View) & Amendment of Preliminary Plat of Bluff View Addition." This proposal, originally tabled on February 18, aimed to expand options for more affordable housing in the area.
A major point of discussion was the pricing of homes in the development. Without the amendment, homes in Bluff View were projected to be priced around $700,000. The approved amendment now allows for homes to be built in the $400,000 range, broadening accessibility for prospective homebuyers.
Another clarification made during the meeting addressed concerns about public green space. Some initial illustrations gave an incomplete view of the final public land layout. The council confirmed that the green space shown in the plans was an addition to existing public land along the bluffs, rather than the only designated public space.
Despite some lingering reservations voiced by Council Member Jay Whiting, the amendment ultimately passed unanimously.