Development Update
The preliminary plans for the redevelopment at Valley View Road and Wooddale Avenue (Carlson and McGlynn) will be considered by the Planning Commission Sept. 27 and by the Council on Oct. 3.
The Comprehensive Plan amendment request for Estelle Edina will be considered by the Planning Commission Sept. 27 and by the City Council on Oct. 17.
Staff met this week with owners and possible developers for both the north and south parcels of Pentagon Park. We might receive development proposals soon for both sites.
Edinborough Park
Planning is under way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Edinborough Park on Friday, Oct. 6. Entertainment and activities will take place throughout the day and special offers will be available for daily admissions and on the purchase of annual memberships for Adventure Peak and the Pool & Track.
South Suburban Development Summit
Mayor Jim Hovland led a panel presentation this week at the South Suburban Development Summit at the Golden Valley Country Club. Joining the Mayor on the panel was Scott Tankenoff (The Link), Pete Deanovic (Edina Collaborative), Shawn Smith (The Avenue on France) and Dean Dovolis. The presentation about the level of development in Edina was impressive to a room full of developers and real estate professionals.
High School Traffic
Representatives from the City’s Police Department and Engineering Department are receiving a great deal of concern from residents living near or traveling through the neighborhood around Edina High School. We are talking to our colleagues at the school district about the traffic and parking issues as well. There are some short-term solutions we can implement this fall. Longer term, the City’s Engineering Director and I agree that we should approach the school district to conduct a joint traffic study, which could be launched later this fall when construction equipment at the site is finally gone.
Open Streets
The City of Edina will close West 50th Street between Wooddale Avenue in Edina and Chowen Avenue in Minneapolis along with France Avenue from 49½ Street to 51st Street Sunday, Sept. 24, for the third-annual “Open Streets on 50th” event.
Capstone Project
Earlier this year, the City’s Engineering Department submitted a project idea to the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Minnesota for consideration as one of its Senior Capstone Projects. We learned this week that our project was selected. This is the second time an Edina project has been selected for the program. The project will begin to analyze traffic operations to see if there are problems at the intersections of Vernon Avenue with Hansen Road and Ayrshire Boulevard. After the initial analysis to identify any issues, the team will develop concept level layouts. The intent is to try to improve operations for all modes of transportation in this area. Vernon Avenue is a Hennepin County facility. At this time, there are no plans to change either of these intersections. We have participated in this program before and find the students final reports are an excellent starting point in reviewing an issue of concern.
Braemar Park Planning
Preliminary concepts for improvements and new amenities at Braemar Park will be presented during a community meeting Monday, Sept. 18, at Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse. At the 6:30 p.m. meeting, residents can view potential trail alignments, possible mountain bike and cross-country skiing trail locations, ideas for clubhouse-area changes and environmental improvements.
Human Services Funding
The City’s Human Services Task Force has started the process of soliciting 2018-2019 funding proposals from organizations that address basic human needs in Edina. Funding is open to nonprofit human service agencies and organizations that serve Edina residents. Organizations don’t have to be based in Edina, but their service area must include Edina residents. Previous recipients include VEAP, Oasis For Youth and the Normandale Center for Healing & Wholeness. Proposals indicating how organizations intend to meet the needs of Edina residents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 2017. Applicants will be invited to make a short presentation supporting their funding requests during an Oct. 30, 2017, task force meeting.
Board and Commission Update
Transportation Commission member Andy Brown resigned effective Sept. 14.
I would like to seek Council’s feedback on the issue of whether or not the City should continue to record and broadcast Parks & Recreation Commission meetings at the Council’s Sept. 19 Council meeting.
Bad Decision
A 71-year-old bicyclist drove through freshly poured concrete this week on one of the ramps connecting U.S. Highway 169 to Bren Road, causing an estimated $25,000 in damage.
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