Journal file photo The former Target building in New Ulm has stood empty since the store closed seven years ago. City planners approved a request to use it for warehousing at their meeting Thursday.

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Planning Commission recommended a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow warehousing in the former Target building, Thursday.

The former Target building at 1914 S. Broadway is zoned as a Community Business (B-3) district. Eric Bode is requesting on behalf of the Dayton Hudson Corporation to allow the building to be used for warehousing.

Late last year, city staff informed the city council and planning commission that this request was forthcoming and that an amendment to the zoning ordinance was needed to approve it.

Zoning regulations prohibited warehousing in B-3 districts as a permitted use, but after being informed of the potential offer on the vacant Target building, the city amended the regulation to permit warehousing.

2911The amendment will go into effect on Feb. 19.

The 90,000 square feet former Target building has been vacant for seven years. Staff believes it is unlikely any retailers will be seeking space of this size.

Redevelopment of the property could bring a fresh look to the corner. It would allow for reuse of the parking lot, and the addition of commercial and retail, while making the existing building useful for another need.

Bode said there is still potential to use some of the building for retail. There are two options. The first option would be to use the front of the building for commercial or retail and the rest of the building for warehousing. The second option is to use the entire building for warehousing and construct new commercial buildings on the property.

City Planner John Knisley said regardless of the option, the property would look nicer than it currently does as a vacant building.

Staff is recommending approval of the permit because it is unlikely to adversely effect surrounding properties.

There were questions about increased truck traffic on 18th S. Street, behind the property, but this section of road had previously seen truck traffic when Target was still in operation. The road was replaced in 1999 and would likely be replaced within five years.

One of the staff conditions for the approval of the permit called for the current bike/pedestrian easement to be amended to address alignment changes. The current easement follows the property line and includes 90-degree turns on the western property line.

Knisley said the condition would allow the city to work with the property owner to smooth out the easement, and eliminate the 90-degree turn, making it easier for bikers and pedestrians to use the trail if further developed.

The commission recommended the approval. The recommendation will come before the New Ulm City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 7.