What is the City of Bloomington’s role in reviewing the stadium proposals and how does it differ from the Bloomington School District’s role?
The City of Bloomington and the Bloomington School District are separate legal entities, each with their own governing board that is elected by registered voters in their respective jurisdictions. The vast majority of the City of Bloomington lies within the Bloomington School District, although a very small portion of the City lies within either the Edina and Eden Prairie School Districts.
The Bloomington School District Board makes decisions on where to invest school district resources and where Bloomington schools conduct their athletic events. The Bloomington School District submitted separate applications to expand the seating capacity and install related improvements at both Kennedy and Jefferson High Schools. The City of Bloomington’s role, which is low in discretion, is limited to determining whether the two applications meet the following required Final Site and Building Plan findings, from Section 21.501.01(d) of the City Code:
- The proposed development is not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan;
- The proposed development is not in conflict with any adopted district plan for the area;
- The proposed development is not in conflict with city code provisions or state law; and
- The proposed development will not be injurious to the surrounding neighborhood or otherwise harm the public health, safety and welfare.
What decisions have been made by the City and what decisions remain?
On June 3, 2024, the Bloomington City Council reviewed a resident petition sent to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board requesting that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) be prepared for the stadium applications. For the many reasons outlined in Resolutions 2024-122 and 2024-123, the City Council denied the petition and determined that an EAW is not required for either stadium site.
Resolution 2024-122
Resolution 2024-123
On June 6, 2024, the Bloomington Planning Commission approved the Final Site and Building Plan applications for both the Kennedy and Jefferson stadium proposals. City Code authorizes the applicant or any member of the public to appeal the Planning Commission decision to the City Council, if received by the City within three business days. On June 11, 2024, the City of Bloomington received resident appeals of the Planning Commission’s decision for both stadium projects. The appeal shifts final approval authority for the applications to the Bloomington City Council.
When will the City Council consider the stadium applications and will there be a public hearing?
The Bloomington City Council will review the two applications separately on July 1, 2024, in the City Council Chambers at Bloomington City Hall, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. As required by City Code, public hearings will be held for both applications.
What changes are proposed with the applications?
At the existing sports fields at both Kennedy and Jefferson High Schools, the Bloomington School District proposes to increase the amount of seating, provide improved sidewalks and pedestrian accommodations, provide concessions opportunities, and improve handicapped accessibility.
If actual noise levels exceed State and City noise limits, what remedies exist?
The Bloomington School District has submitted noise studies prepared by a qualified acoustics firm documenting that noise levels at both the Kennedy and Jefferson stadiums will be within the limits set forward in State Law and City Code. State law prevents the City from having more stringent noise limits that those set forth in State law. For that reason, the City’s and State’s noise limits are identical. In the event that actual noise levels are documented to exceed State and City noise limits, the City would work with the School District to pursue modifications to bring the noise levels to compliant levels. These modifications could include actions such as reducing the volume of loudspeakers or reducing the length of time that bands perform.
Where can I review additional materials if I want to find out more?
All application materials, including public comments received, are available online. Access the Kennedy High School materials here and the Jefferson High School materials here.
Is it likely that on-street parking will occur?
A proposed condition of approval requires the Bloomington School District to prepare an access, circulation and parking plan. Among other things, the plan will identify how the school district will direct attendees to available off-street parking. While large amounts of parking exists off-street at both High Schools, it is also legal to park on-street at certain times close to each High School. The City has observed at numerous sites throughout Bloomington that attendees are more likely to use legal on-street parking than off-street parking if the on-street parking is closer to the entrance than the off-street parking. Due to the proximity of some on-street parking, it is highly likely that it will be legally used during events.
