The council voted 5-0 on March 15 to move forward with acquiring the vacant land at 5235 Highwood Drive. Residents proposed the purchase to protect the property's mature oak trees, maintain the city's urban canopy, and prevent construction on a steep slope unsuitable for building. The $150,000 cost will be spread across 429 special assessments paid by neighbors over 15 years, with a conservation easement placed on the central portion of the property.

City staff and residents emphasized the environmental and practical benefits. The proposal aligns with Edina's 2021 Climate Action Plan and follows a similar successful project on Oak Lane. The council's approval initiates the formal process to complete the purchase.

In other business, the council unanimously approved several proclamations recognizing Small Business Week, Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Building Safety Month. City Forester Luther Overholt highlighted tree-planting initiatives, including over 1,000 new trees planted with federal pandemic relief funds. The council also approved a 4-1 vote on sidewalk design for the Concord Avenue reconstruction project, with Council Member Jackson abstaining. The approved design includes a 5-foot sidewalk with a 5-foot boulevard, which city staff said meets fire department operational needs and provides benefits for snow storage and stormwater management.

The council accepted a $1,800 donation from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund for police challenge coins and certificate frames. A public hearing on a rezoning and subdivision project at 6600-6800 France Avenue South was continued to May 7, 2024, with discussion about whether residents need re-notification when hearings are postponed.