City Council - Regular Meeting

A fifth proposal for the redevelopment of the former Kevin Keyes Auto site on Vernon Avenue has been denied. Ayanna Rechargery proposed remodeling the existing auto repair shop at 6016 Vernon Avenue into an electric vehicle charging station. The site would feature seven level three DC fast chargers, and the existing station would be remodeled to be a lounge waiting area with a mini convenience store or vending machines.

And we just want to offer different types of experiences here in this location in Edina. Instead of Hy-Vee being the tractor and weeping the bonus, Ion is the bonus. And then you have the convenience store to stock up, refuel yourself with energy drinks, normal drinks, snacks, lounge to wait for your car to charge, and then you can drive away. So focusing from instead of being accessory use, we're the main driver of bringing people to our site.

Staff reported that an electric vehicle charging station is a permitted use in the zoning district, though the site is designated for medium-density residential development in the City's comprehensive plan. After hearing testimony from residents both in support of and opposed to the proposal, the majority of the City Council concluded the project was not the most appropriate long-term use of the property and voted to deny the request.

The way I go about looking at things is, is a project good for the whole city? And then balance that against whether or not there could be an adverse impact on the neighborhood that would outweigh the benefits to the city.

When I think of, you know, a neighborhood node or driving benefit to the neighborhood, I want it to be something that more people are excited about.