The Wayzata Planning Commission voted 3-2 Monday to direct staff to prepare a recommendation of approval for a proposed Lamborghini dealership at 1022 and 1042 Wayzata Boulevard East.

Walser Automotive Group's proposal calls for a 7,845-square-foot dealership with service bays and partial demolition of the existing Malberries dry cleaner. The project would retain about 1,385 square feet of the dry cleaner space under a 10-year lease agreement that was part of the property purchase.

The application requires four variances due to site constraints, including parking setbacks, stall depth, access separation and the required number of parking stalls. The site can provide 39 parking spaces but requires 41 under city code. Five design deviations are also needed, primarily related to sidewalk width, landscape buffers and street trees along Wayzata Boulevard.

Public testimony revealed divided opinions. Immediate neighbors, including property owners whose buildings abut the site, expressed support after months of meetings with Walser representatives. "As a neighborhood right now we're in favor of it," said Gordy Straa, who has lived at 130 Huntington Avenue for 57 years. However, other residents raised concerns about noise, traffic and whether a car dealership fits Wayzata's character.

Walser representatives described the operation as a boutique facility expecting about 10 employees at peak capacity, with vehicles sold by appointment and 12-18 month delivery windows. No exterior vehicle storage is planned, with inventory housed in the building's lower level. The Planning Commission will consider the staff recommendation at its June 16 meeting before the proposal advances to the City Council.