The Edina City Council approved vacating four rightaway easements at the former Macy's property at 7235 France Avenue during its Feb. 18 meeting, clearing the way for future development while retaining necessary public access rights.

Engineering Director Chad Milner told the council the four easements being vacated are duplicative or no longer needed, while the city will retain all essential easements until any development project is completed. The vacated easements include a duplicative sanitary sewer easement, scenic and open space easements that overlap with county rightaway, and portions covered by existing sidewalk easements from 2012.

The council also addressed community concerns about affordable housing compliance and potential federal funding cuts. Resident Ralph Zer questioned how many of the city's affordable housing units created since 2015 are permanently affordable versus subject to sunset clauses, and raised concerns about developers not offering units at required affordable rates. City Manager Neil said Affordable Housing Manager Stephanie Hackinson will provide responses at the March 4 council meeting.

Resident Janie Weston asked about the city's exposure to potential federal budget cuts, specifically questioning how reductions in federal grants might affect infrastructure projects, ADA compliance improvements, and public safety programs. Neil said staff is continuously monitoring federal funding connections and will report back by the end of the week through the city website, with a comprehensive report to the council March 4.

The council also accepted an $8,700 donation from the Community Foundation for Connect Card scholarships, which help families afford park and recreation programs for their children.