The Edina City Council approved a controversial redevelopment agreement Tuesday that commits $4.8 million in SPARK funds to support affordable housing at 7200 France Avenue Apartments, despite concerns raised about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

The 4-1 vote, with Council Member Risser dissenting, came after extensive debate about using the special tax increment financing funds versus returning the money to Hennepin County. The project will create 15 affordable housing units in perpetuity as part of a larger apartment development on France Avenue.

Council Member Risser, who pulled the item from the consent agenda, argued the funds could be better used for city priorities like the delayed Lewis Park warming house project or hiring additional paramedic firefighters. She also raised concerns about discrepancies in the agreement documents regarding unit sizes and configurations.

'We're talking almost $5 million in SPARK funding,' Risser said, questioning whether the public benefit justified the expense given the project already received significant development incentives through zoning variances and tax increment financing.

City staff defended the decision, explaining that without the SPARK funding gap, the project would not move forward and the site would remain vacant. Economic Development Manager Bill Neundorf said the investment would generate approximately $3.7 million in additional tax revenue over 10 years compared to $1.6 million if the funds were returned to the county. The council also unanimously approved a variance appeal for a residential patio project and recognized the Edina High School Mountain Biking Team for winning the state championship.