Retail development proposed at Novotny

BAXTER - A Minneapolis development company is planning a 34-acre development proposal on the west side of Highway 371 North at Novotny Road in Baxter, with about 360,000 square feet of retail development, the Baxter City Council learned Tuesday.

Ryan Companies US of Minneapolis will pay the costs for a Highway 371 traffic study between Clearwater Road in Baxter and Pine Beach Road (Crow Wing County Road 77) in hopes that the study will find that a new signalized, full access intersection at Novotny Road is needed, which is part of the project's proposal.

Although the developers have not identified to the city what businesses they hope to bring to the site, which they purchased from Dan's Sod, their proposal to the city includes two big-box developments and two smaller businesses.

The city council Tuesday approved the request from Ryan Companies to re-evaluate access management on Highway 371 from Clearwater Road to Pine Beach Road. The council also authorized that a traffic study be done on this Highway 371 corridor by Wenck Associates, contingent on an escrow account from Ryan Companies. Council members also directed staff to work with MnDOT and the Crow Wing County Highway Department to initiate and look at the scope of the traffic study.

In other council action, the city council approved the minor subdivision plat and conditional use permit to convert an existing retail business, Morey's Market & Grille, into a planned unit development that will include Book World and sites for other retail businesses.

The city approved the purchase of two patrol vehicles from Mills Ford.

The city approved the vacation of Garrison Road with contingencies for the developer.

The city approved the minor subdivision plat of Baxter Cemetery First Addition for the city of Baxter with conditions.

The city amended the zoning for the Mississippi Overlook from RS to PB for the city of Baxter.

The council adjourned to a 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25 joint meeting with Potlatch because they may have a quorum at that meeting.

JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.