The Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee approved a variance appeal Monday that eliminates electric vehicle charging station requirements for a temporary parking lot serving the Community Performing Arts Center.

The committee voted 5-1 to grant Port of Minneapolis LLC's appeal to reduce required EV charging stations from 14 to zero at the 287-space surface parking lot located at 3601 and 3701 Washington Avenue North. The City Planning Commission had previously approved a compromise requiring 10 charging stations.

Faith Kumon, representing Port of Minneapolis, argued the temporary and seasonal nature of the lot made EV charging stations impractical. The parking lot will only operate about 25% of the year during CPAC events and will be gated when not in use. Kumon cited security concerns due to the isolated location between a freeway off-ramp and vacant city-owned land, as well as installation costs that would exceed electricity revenue.

Council Member Robin Ellison supported the variance, noting the site's unique circumstances and temporary nature. "This is kind of in the middle of nowhere," Ellison said, adding that future development of the parcel into a 15-story mixed-use building would provide better opportunities for EV charging infrastructure. Council Member Aisha Chowdhury cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the city should encourage electric vehicle use at municipally-related sites.

The committee also approved liquor licenses for Lucky Shots Pickleball Club and La Dona restaurant, and voted to delay presentation of the quarterly encampment closure report to the August 12 meeting to allow staff preparation time.