The Wayzata City Council deadlocked twice Tuesday night on a proposed three-lot subdivision at 565 Ferndale Road West, ultimately tabling the application until April 15 when all five council members can be present.

The Ferndale Road West subdivision, proposed by the Capen family, would divide a 12-acre property into three residential lots served by a new 526-foot public road. The application met all objective zoning requirements and received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission, but drew significant opposition from neighboring residents concerned about environmental impacts and the road's effect on neighborhood character.

Council members Alex Fleckish and Molly McDonald voted to deny the application, citing concerns that the development would "adversely impact the scale, pattern or character of the neighborhood." They specifically objected to the public road construction, which would require cutting through steep slopes exceeding 18% grade and removing trees. Mayor Ken Mullen and Council Member Dan Sorenson supported approval, arguing the application met all objective subdivision criteria.

"This project is a culmination of careful planning by a family who have been residents of Wayzata for over 60 years," said applicant representative Mike Steedman. Property owner Samantha Capen Maldun emphasized the family had reduced the proposal from four lots to three and shortened the road from 725 feet to 526 feet based on neighbor feedback.

The council also approved authorization to solicit bids for Clapper Park improvements estimated at $2.65 million and approved a seasonal boat rental agreement with Tonka Boat Rentals LLC for two dock slips at the community depot, generating $8,500 in revenue for the parks fund.