During a recent city council meeting, members discussed a variance request from Old Dominion, a trucking company seeking permission to store trailers in the front yard of their facility located at 2701 85th Avenue Northeast. The request has raised concerns among local residents regarding noise, vibrations, and the overall impact on the neighborhood.

The city planner presented the history of the site, which has been operational since 1979, and noted that Old Dominion had previously received a conditional use permit to operate a terminal there. However, due to a four-year vacancy, they were required to obtain a new permit. The company is currently storing trailers in violation of zoning regulations, prompting the request for a variance.

The planning commission recommended approval for outdoor storage in a designated area (Area A) but limited the request to this section only. Residents expressed concerns about noise from the operation, including the sounds of trailer doors, backup alarms, and vibrations affecting their homes. Noise studies conducted by the Community Standards Department indicated that the operation does not violate Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards.

In response to community concerns, Old Dominion proposed the construction of a 16-foot sound wall to mitigate noise, although this proposal was not discussed during the planning commission's review. Council members debated the merits of granting the variance, with some expressing reluctance due to the potential negative impact on residents' quality of life.

Several council members voiced their support for the sound wall as a condition of any approval, while others suggested denying the variance altogether to encourage further dialogue between the company and the community. The council ultimately faced a decision on whether to approve the variance for Area A with the sound wall condition, deny the request, or seek additional discussions with Old Dominion.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between business operations and residential quality of life, with council members acknowledging the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic development and community well-being. The council is expected to continue deliberations on this matter in future sessions.