Residents raised concerns about parking, traffic and senior services during a City Council listening session Monday, focusing primarily on the planned Community Health and Wellness Center and related neighborhood impacts.

Elizabeth Cambrone of Newton Avenue told council members the center's parking lot does not meet city code requirements for peak operating hours, forcing overflow parking onto residential streets. She questioned whether police would enforce parking rules, noting years of unenforced no-parking signs during sports seasons. Cambrone also expressed concerns about traffic flow on Newton Avenue, a residential road that would handle the facility's single entrance and exit.

Gary Bigge argued for keeping the existing Creekside Senior Center rather than taking it offline for two years during construction. He noted that while he voted for the sales tax increase funding the project, he didn't anticipate all the planned amenities. Mayor responded that only 1,600 of the city's 25,000 seniors used Creekside in 2024, and the new facility must operate at 90 percent cost neutrality.

Business owner Dave Holding complained about city towing of vehicles from his private parking lot on 12th Avenue, saying the cars were being used for training purposes in connection with his car service business. He questioned whether the towing violated city code exemptions for vehicles stored in connection with licensed businesses.

Susan Weaver expressed disappointment about reduced senior programming at the new center, particularly the lack of woodworking facilities. The mayor said woodworking would be available at Eden Prairie's facility with city-provided transportation, and noted the city invests $400,000 annually in senior activities that will continue at the new center.