Edina HRA Advances Eden Avenue Development Plans
The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority moved forward with plans to solicit development proposals for the former public works site at 5146 Eden Avenue during their Feb. 27 meeting, despite ongoing uncertainty about the city's fire station location needs.
Economic Development Manager Bill Neindorf said the authority plans to release a request for proposals by March 3, seeking developers for housing-focused projects on the 12-acre site. The RFP prioritizes ownership housing such as townhomes, condominiums or cooperatives over rental properties, according to the discussion.
The fire department ranks the Eden Avenue site fourth or fifth among potential locations for a new fire station, with preferred sites located east of Highway 100. Fire Chief Slama said the department's top choice involves land that would become available when Highway 100 exit ramps are removed, though that option requires legislative approval for a land swap with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
During public comment, two residents raised concerns about the Innovation Lab's closure and potential loan defaults. David Tranel of Lakeview Drive questioned the city's transparency regarding the lab's status and called for an outside investigation. Executive Director comments indicated the chamber-operated lab is "in a state of flux" with struggles maintaining operations, though no formal default has occurred on the city loan.
The authority also addressed tree removal violations at the 7200 France Avenue development project, where 14 trees designated for preservation were cut down despite site improvement agreements. City staff scheduled a meeting with the developer and city forester for Feb. 28 to address the violation and require enhanced landscaping before final site plan approval.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Lack of transparency regarding the closure of the city-funded Innovation Lab.
- Potential default or financial loss related to the Chamber of Commerce Innovation Lab.
- Development delays and TIF amendment requests at the Pentagon Village site.
- City search for a third fire station location east of Highway 100.
- Accessibility concerns regarding the pedestrian bridge at 5146 Eden Avenue.
Votes (2)
Approve the agenda
Moved by Risser · Seconded by Agnue
Approve the consent agenda
Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified
Notable Quotes (4)
There has to be an outside investigation from the state or the federal government that's what's going to have to happen to get the city to be transparent about this.
They are struggling with maintaining the ongoing operations of the business programming due to a lack of ongoing funding.
Staff is recommending that we do not amend that agreement... at this point in time we're recommending no action.
I'm wondering if this is an opportunity to include or replace the word with attainable and I think that that creates a different perception.
People (7)
PierceActing ChairChairs the February 27th meeting of the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Chairs the February 27th meeting of the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
David TranelPublic CallerResident expressing concerns about the Innovation Lab closure and lack of city transparency.
1 quote
Resident expressing concerns about the Innovation Lab closure and lack of city transparency.
“The Innovation lab as you know is part of the D Chamber of Commerce... The lab has closed and they're defaulting on their loan.”
Stating his belief regarding the status of the Innovation Lab.
Andy BrownPublic CallerResident questioning the loss of city funds related to the Innovation Lab.
1 quote
Resident questioning the loss of city funds related to the Innovation Lab.
“If this is true somebody needs to be held accountable and there needs to be repercussions.”
Demanding accountability for potential loss of taxpayer funds.
Bill NeindorfEconomic Development ManagerProvides updates on development projects and addresses inquiries regarding the Innovation Lab.
1 quote
Provides updates on development projects and addresses inquiries regarding the Innovation Lab.
“We do intend to amend their loan agreement they have not defaulted on it.”
Refuting the claim of default on the Innovation Lab loan.
SlammaFire ChiefDiscusses site search criteria for the third fire station.
1 quote
Discusses site search criteria for the third fire station.
“Our number one preferred site is the MnDOT site and working through that process and ensuring that we have that ability.”
Clarifying the priority for the new fire station location.
RisserCommissionerRaises concerns about the fire station site selection process and site accessibility.
Raises concerns about the fire station site selection process and site accessibility.
AgnueCommissionerSuggests specific terminology updates for the RFP including 'attainable' and 'mixed-use'.
Suggests specific terminology updates for the RFP including 'attainable' and 'mixed-use'.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- February 27th meeting of the Adina Housing and Redevelopment Authority
- May 1st, 2024 (RFP response deadline)
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Innovation Lab operational status and loan agreement
Pentagon Village project tax increment financing amendment
Request for proposals for 5146 Eden Avenue redevelopment
Fire station site selection and feasibility
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