Chico’s Transport Seeking to Restructure in Crookston: Planning Commission Recommends Zoning Change and Variance

On Tuesday night, the Crookston Planning Commission gathered at City Hall council chambers to discuss a rezoning and variance request from a local business in Crookston. The business in question is Chico’s Transport, owned by Rosa, Lauro, and Robert Gutierrez, and located at 442 Marin Avenue. Currently, the business faces challenges with insufficient storage space for large trucks and conducting oil changes, especially during the cold winter months.

Chico’s Transport proposed to be rezoned from an I-2 (light industrial zone) to an R-2 (residential family housing zone). The reason behind this request is that the previous property owner permitted the change from I-2 to R-2 to accommodate a neighbor’s need for residential housing. However, this transition has hindered Chico’s Transport from expanding their commercial operations without the zoning change.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the rezoning and variance requests for Chico’s Transport, perceiving it as a beneficial move for both the city and the local business. Crookston Building Official Greg Hefta stated that granting the rezoning request would provide Chico’s Transport with the necessary property to support their operations while also expanding the city’s tax base. Additionally, it would eliminate a residence that may have needed demolition.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation for Chico’s Transport will be presented to the Crookston City Council at their upcoming meeting on Monday, April 22, at the City Hall council chambers.