Community Corner

Woodbury's Urban Village: Bielenberg Gardens Update

Plans call for a grocery store and other retail at the mixed-use development at the southwest intersection of Radio Drive and Bailey Road.

The Woodbury Planning Commission on Monday discussed plans for Bielenberg Gardens, a mixed-use development slated at the southwest intersection of Radio Drive and Bailey Road.

Jerry’s Enterprises and United Properties are looking to build a new grocery-anchored retail center at the site, a 200-acre parcel that will also include housing.

The planning commission on Monday examined the grocery store/liquor store and planned unit development (PUD) for the site.

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The vision for Bielenberg Gardens is a more urban setting that will “separate it a bit from a (typical) suburban development,” said Eric Searles, Woodbury associate planner.

The planning commission on Monday voted 3-2 on the grocery store/liquor plans and PUD for the site. (Two members were absent.) Some commissioners were concerned that there weren’t enough urban elements in the plans, Searles said.

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The recommendation from the advisory body is expected go before the Woodbury City Council at its Sept. 11 meeting.

The city is hoping to have higher-density development at Bielenberg Gardens and more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure than is generally found in Woodbury, Searles said.

The neighborhood will also be linked to the Bielenberg Sports Center via a pedestrian tunnel under Radio Drive, which was built when the street was reconstructed this summer.

Councilman Christopher Burns attended Monday’s meeting, and said the positives of the project include:

  • garden spaces incorporated throughout;
  • the connections by paths and walkways to the various stores; and
  • the green space and storm water retention pond/park feature.

Much of the discussion Monday centered on the green space and “walkability” of the area, Burns said.

While other retail plans—possibly a fast-food restaurant, a pharmacy and office space—were not on the agenda for the planning commission, Burns did note that, as a citizen, he would like to see a Dairy Queen or Culver’s at Bielenberg Gardens.

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