Edina Council Delays Housing Decision, Approves Street Projects
The Edina City Council postponed a contentious vote on converting two single-family homes into four townhouses on Hankerson Avenue, citing concerns about eliminating affordable housing and setting a problematic zoning precedent. The council approved several infrastructure projects, including street lighting replacement on Barry Road and larger trees for Fire Station #2.
The most significant action came when the council continued a public hearing on the Hankerson Avenue development proposal to May 21st, keeping public comment open until May 12th. The project would rezone two single-family lots—currently valued at approximately $425,000 to $434,000—to allow construction of four attached townhome-style units priced in the $700,000 to $800,000 range. Council Members Risser and Pierce voiced "significant concerns and opposition" to the proposal as presented. The debate centered on whether the project represents needed "missing middle housing" or problematic "spot zoning" that would eliminate existing affordable homes. The Planning Commission had recommended approval 6-3.
On other matters, the council unanimously approved street lighting replacement for Barry Road. Mayor Huin raised an intriguing question during discussion: whether the city could incorporate electric vehicle charging capabilities into new light posts, citing examples from other cities. Director Milner acknowledged the idea's merit but noted complications, including right-of-way ordinance issues and the fact that Excel Energy owns Edina's streetlights, requiring their input on any modifications.
The council also approved purchasing larger-diameter trees for Fire Station #2, though not without scrutiny. Council Member Risser relayed resident concerns about the one-year warranty and whether large trees would survive transplanting. Director Milner explained that one-year warranties are industry standard and that larger trees actually have higher survival rates when using specialized planting methods. The city forester reported experiencing 10% or less failure rates with large spaded trees.
Earlier, the council corrected meeting minutes from April 16th after Council Member Risser noted a resident's testimony about the tree protection ordinance had been misquoted. Council Member Agnu emphasized the importance of accurate record-keeping, noting a previous instance where another resident felt misquoted in official records. The council also received updates on pedestrian and cyclist safety projects funded through the Pax Fund and heard a University of Minnesota student presentation on sustainable transportation recommendations for the city's Climate Action Plan.
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Other Topics from This Document
Sustainable Transportation and Urban Density
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund (Pax Fund) Update
Proposed Zoning Amendment for Hankerson Avenue
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