Metropolitan Council - 2026-04-21
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Council approved the landmark East Bank zoning ordinance (BL-2026-1273) with 18 amendments, transforming 47 acres of former industrial land into a mixed-use urban district. Key restrictions include limiting hotel uses to 12 buildings, requiring underground parking for non-residential buildings, and prohibiting stadium/arena uses. The council also approved the companion rezoning (BL-2026-1284) changing 40.96 acres from IG to DTC zoning, and passed a controversial 120-unit multifamily conversion at 201 Gifford Place (29-4-3).
Key Decisions (8)
East Bank Zoning Ordinance (Wasioto Bend)
Comprehensive downtown code amendments for 47-acre East Bank development. Approved with 18 amendments including: hotel use cap at 12 buildings, surface parking limited to 20% of site for 5 years, underground parking required for non-residential buildings outside 100-year floodplain, stadium/arena use prohibited, beer/cigarette markets prohibited, active liner requirements for parking structures, multimodal transportation analysis required by June 2027.
East Bank Rezoning from IG to DTC
Rezoning of 40.96 acres east of Korean Veterans Blvd and south of Sylvan St from Industrial General (IG) to Downtown Code (DTC) zoning, companion to the East Bank zoning ordinance.
Multifamily Conversion at 201 Gifford Place
Amendment to PUD overlay to permit 120 multifamily residential units at former Days Inn hotel at corner of Gifford Place and White's Creek Pike, 3.11 acres. Developer investing $3 million in conversion.
Gideon's Army Violence Intervention Grant
Appropriation of $375,000 from Community Safety Fund to Gideon's Army Grassroots Army for Children for trauma-informed youth-led workforce and leadership program to reduce violence.
Monell's Beer Permit Distance Exemption
Exemption from minimum distance requirements for beer permit at Monell's Dining and Catering, 1235 6th Avenue North, to allow off-property catering with alcohol including Oktoberfest events.
Short-Term Rental Distance Exemption at 201 Lucy Lane
Exemption from minimum distance requirements for non-owner occupied short-term rental permit at 201 Lucy Lane, a townhome across from Haynes Middle School.
Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Ordinance
Ordinance requiring disclosure of personalized algorithmic and dynamic pricing deferred to allow AG Scrimetti's office to review potential state enforcement path.
Sandwich Board Signs Ordinance
Ordinance amending regulations on sandwich board signs in public right-of-way deferred one meeting. Traffic and Parking Commission disapproved 3-2.
Zoning Changes (2)
47 acres east of Korean Veterans Blvd, south of Sylvan St (East Bank)
East Bend Development Team
201 Gifford Place at White's Creek Pike
Property owner (Days Inn)
Development Activity (4)
East Bank/Wasioto Bend Development
Form-based downtown code zoning for multi-decade development. Includes requirements for 30% open space, greenway connections, riverfront access. Hotel cap at 12 buildings, no stadium/arena use. Surface parking limited to 20% of site for 5 years. Underground parking required for non-residential outside floodplain. Active liner requirements for parking structures.
Music City Children's Museum
Proposed children's museum seeking location within East Bank development. Over decade of planning. Zoning conditions make project possible.
TPAC Relocation
TPAC planning relocation to East Bank. Supports short-term parking flexibility during district maturation.
201 Gifford Place Multifamily Conversion
Conversion of Days Inn hotel to 120 multifamily residential units. $3 million investment. 3.11 acres zoned CS within PUD overlay.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Developer commitment to voluntary attainable housing program expansion on East Bank indicates continued focus on workforce housing in major developments.
Commercial Demand
Hotel use cap at 12 buildings in East Bank reflects council concern about over-concentration of hospitality versus residential neighborhood character.
Infrastructure
Developer committed 100% of infrastructure costs for East Bank in writing, establishing precedent for large-scale private infrastructure investment.
Sentiment
Strong community engagement on East Bank with 100+ letters of support; council emphasized this as model for collaborative development process versus previous contentious projects.
Housing Demand
Conversion of Days Inn to 120 multifamily units in Joelton area indicates demand for residential conversion of underperforming hospitality assets in suburban locations.