Council advances plan to convert Joelton Days Inn to 120 apartments amid heated public debate

The Metropolitan Council on April 7 advanced BL2026‑1311 — a proposed amendment to a planned unit development to convert an existing Days Inn at Gifford Place into 120 multi‑family residential units — to its second of three readings after an extended public hearing that drew dozens of speakers for and against the project.

Supporters, including lawyers and developers representing Better Housing Group, said the proposal turns a tired, transient hotel into longer‑term affordable and workforce housing. Sean Henry told the council the property has a long history of mixed uses and that the plan would convert 117 transient units into 120 units with one‑year leases. Developer representatives said the project would include more than $3 million in renovations, new furnishings and kitchenettes to support longer‑term occupancy.

Opponents primarily from Joelton pressed the council on infrastructure and community impacts. Former state representative Gary Moore and residents raised concerns about traffic, limited local services, and loss of motel capacity used for visiting relatives and emergency sheltering. Dr. Leslie Benmark said she opposed “changing the Days Inn” and urged the council to preserve the motel for community needs.

Sponsor Councilmember Kimbro said she had held multiple meetings with the community, hosted a property tour, and concluded the conversion was the best long‑term outcome for the site. After more than two hours of public testimony and council discussion, the body recorded a roll‑call vote on second reading: the bill passed 29 in favor, 2 opposed and 3 abstaining.

The ordinance will return for a final third reading (and any final amendments) before a final decision; supporters and opponents said they will continue outreach and negotiations in the interim.