All eight commissioners voted to recommend city council approval of the project at 7525 Brar Boulevard, which will add a 5,536-square-foot tactical training center to the existing facility. The building exceeds standard zoning height limits by about 7 feet 9 inches, a variance the commission found justified by operational needs.

Staff presented detailed findings showing the building's height is necessary to create two-story training scenarios with 20-foot interior clear heights and overhead observation areas for instructors. The pitched roof design helps remove heat and smoke from the facility. Because the building sits within an existing fenced area and is screened by a wooded hill, it won't be visible from public roads, staff said.

The facility is jointly operated by Edina, Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission through a Joint Powers Authority. The $2 million project is fully funded by state grants approved by the Minnesota Legislature and Governor in 2020 and 2023. City Manager Scott Neil noted the project has been reviewed and endorsed by all partner city councils and state agencies.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about the height measurement (to the roof peak, not exhaust stacks), material reflectivity, and facility usage. Staff clarified the current facility operates six days per week, while the new facility is estimated to be used only one to two times weekly. Commissioners also confirmed the project complies with the city's Sustainable Building Policy and state B3 building standards required by the grant.

The commission approved the project with conditions requiring compliance with those sustainability and building standards. No public comments were submitted in person or remotely. The recommendation now goes to the Edina City Council for final approval.