Council approves transmission, funding steps for downtown mixed‑use project described as $60M

The City of Saint Cloud moved forward with development steps for a downtown mixed‑use project, approving funding transfers and granting staff direction to continue review and approvals. Finance staff included $1,305,421 in Budget Amendment No. 3 to support the downtown mixed‑use development; during discussion the mayor characterized the project as a roughly $60 million investment intended to bring residents to the downtown area and support local businesses.

Community Development and finance staff told the council the proposed mixed‑use scheme includes approximately 150 residential units and a parking garage of about 500 total spaces (250 spaces dedicated to the city and public). City staff clarified affordable housing allocations in the project: 18 units at 30% AMI, 30 units at 60% AMI, 27 units at 80% AMI and remaining units at higher tiers, per staff numbers.

Separately, the council considered large annexation and comprehensive plan amendments for nearby properties (see separate article). During the downtown discussion, council members emphasized economic development and adding commercial tax base; Mayor Christian B. Robertson said the city needs commercial development to avoid shifting more of the tax burden onto residents.

Council approved the related budget transfers as part of Budget Amendment No. 3 (motion carried 4–0). Staff said additional site and entitlement reviews will follow the approval process and that the CRA (community redevelopment agency) is funding the downtown portion.

Council recorded no dissenting votes; staff will continue with project coordination and required land‑use and development approvals.