Edina Planning Commission approves garage variance, debates major mall redevelopment
The Edina Planning Commission unanimously approved a residential garage addition at 4619 Town Circle on May 22, but commissioners raised significant concerns about a proposed 572-unit mixed-use development on the former Macy's Furniture site at 7235 France Avenue, with no vote taken on that project.
The commission's unanimous approval of the Town Circle variance was straightforward. The homeowner sought permission to build a garage addition 15.7 feet closer to the street than city code typically allows. The request was justified by the property's steep 30-foot grade change from front to back, which would require extensive excavation and tree removal if the garage were built further back. "The biggest reason is the further we push this into the hill the more excavating that has to happen on the backside and the more we impact the trees that are kind of the great big old growth trees," explained Dan Dees. Neighbors supported the project through the city's online feedback portal, and commissioners found it consistent with the neighborhood's character.
The France Avenue redevelopment proved far more contentious. Enclave Development is proposing to transform the former furniture store into four buildings containing 572 residential units, office space, and retail. The project would extend the Edina Promenade, a key pedestrian area, and connect it to France Avenue. However, Commissioners Pilla and Fel voiced concerns about traffic congestion at the nearby France Avenue and Gallagher Drive intersection, which the traffic study rated as "level D" service—a measure of how congested roads become. They also worried about logistics: how trash trucks and moving vehicles would navigate what's designed as a pedestrian-first street.
The developer emphasized that affordable housing requirements significantly impact the project's finances. "Affordable housing is a huge component... it's many many many many many millions of dollars impact to cash flow... that's a big piece of the TIF ask," said Patrick from Enclave Development. TIF, or Tax Increment Financing, is a financial tool the developer is requesting to help fund the project. The city's Community Development Director noted the project aligns with the Greater Southdale District Plan's goal to "maximize pedestrian activity throughout the district with the public realm as the connective tissue that gives the district its unique identity."
No vote was taken on the France Avenue project, indicating further discussion is needed. A resident also raised concerns about the city's use of TIF and its impact on school funding, suggesting the commission should rely more on data-driven decision-making.
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Votes (2)
Front yard setback variance for 4619 Town Circle
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [26:54] · Seconded by Unknown [27:06]
The property has a 30-foot grade change from front to back, creating a 'practical difficulty' for garage placement. Neighbors provided positive feedback through the 'Better Together' portal, supporting the design's seamless integration with the existing 1939 home.
Preliminary rezoning and site plan for 7235 France Avenue
Dissent: Commissioner Pilla and Commissioner Fel voiced concerns regarding traffic level 'D' service and logistical 'street room' clutter.
Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A
The project includes 572 residential units, office space, and retail. Key concerns included the 11-story building's shadow on the promenade, traffic queuing at Gallagher Drive, and the logistics of trash/moving trucks in a 'pedestrian-first' street room.
Notable Quotes (3)
The biggest reason is the further we push this into the hill the more Excavating that has to happen on the backside and the more we impact the trees that are kind of the great big old growth trees.
The objective is to maximize pedestrian activity throughout the district with the public realm as the connective tissue that gives the district its unique identity.
Affordable housing is a huge component... it's many many many many many millions of dollars impact to cash flow... that's a big piece of the Tiff ask.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
Guidelines used to evaluate the 7235 France Avenue project's pedestrian activity and public realm design.
City policy requiring 5% EV charging and solar capabilities, which the France Avenue applicant committed to meeting.
Zoning code governing building height setbacks relative to R1 residential districts.
Financial tool criticized by a resident and requested by the Enclave Development team for the France Avenue project.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
7235 France Avenue Redevelopment (Macy's Furniture Site)
Community Comment on Planning and Data Use
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