The Edina Planning Commission voted 6-2 Tuesday to recommend approval of a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request that would allow duplex development at 5516 Vernon Avenue.

Abundance Properties requested the changes to build two duplex units on the nearly one-acre property, which currently houses two single-family homes. The proposal requires changing the comprehensive plan designation from low-density residential to low-density attached residential and rezoning from R1 to PRD2.

The development would create four housing units with approximately 3,000 square feet each, featuring five bedrooms and four bathrooms with finished basements. Project Operations Manager Jordan Crockett said the units would be owner-occupied and priced between $700,000 and $1 million.

Several residents testified against the proposal during the public hearing. Susan Carlson of Goya Lane expressed concerns about increased density, noting the change from potentially one occupant to as many as 28 residents. Mark Keigle questioned the economic feasibility of the project, while Wayne Collins argued the development would introduce multi-family housing into a single-family neighborhood.

The request now advances to the City Council, which will make the final decision on the comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning. Planning Director Carrie Teague noted the council has complete discretion to approve or deny the request, which requires a four-fifths majority vote.