The meeting began with Ralph Zicker, a resident of Cornelia Circle, voicing strong opposition to the $23 million TIF proposal approved during the August 15 Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) meeting. Zicker criticized the perceived bias in the staff’s presentation, arguing that the developmental hurdles cited by the staff to justify the TIF—high land and remediation costs, high financing costs, high construction costs, and Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning standards—were not convincing enough to warrant such substantial financial incentives. He questioned the transparency of the financing, specifically asking for detailed estimates on interest costs and the developer’s expected rate of return without TIF support. Zicker’s comments highlighted a broader concern among residents about the city’s approach to financial assistance for developers and the potential precedent it sets for future projects.

Following Zicker’s remarks, the council heard from Peter Simpson, who expressed frustration over the lack of communication from city officials after receiving a ticket for expired registration tabs. Simpson suggested implementing a “24-hour rule” for staff to return calls, emphasizing the need for responsive city services. Nora Davis also raised safety concerns about roundabouts, advocating for the installation of crossing lights to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The council acknowledged her concerns and committed to a traffic safety review.

After these public comments, the council discussed the Fred Richards Park master plan, an ambitious project transforming the former Richards Golf Course into a 43-acre park bisected by the 9 Mile Creek Regional Trail. Led by Prairie Rer, the Parks and Recreation Director, and design team members Terry Minar and Mo Conrey from Confluence, the project aims to restore nature through wetland banking, create pathways for play and health, and engage the community with a central green space. The design includes an inclusive playground focused on nature play. The project is progressing towards the construction phase, slated to begin in spring 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Concerns were raised about adhering to the budget established by voters, with plans to involve a professional cost estimating group for precise financial assessments.

The council then addressed item 6.7 from the consent agenda, related to a petition from the White Oaks neighborhood concerning pedestrian safety on 45th, 48th, and 49th Streets. Council Member Jackson emphasized the need for sidewalks in this area due to hazardous conditions caused by parking. Transportation planner Andrew Skion explained that project prioritization is based on budget and equity criteria, but Jackson and other members pushed for exploring immediate safety measures, such as temporary signage or painted pathways. The council reached a consensus to proceed with scheduled road overlays while exploring interim solutions to enhance pedestrian safety.

A notable moment in the meeting was the recognition of Dvar Barah, a local debate champion. Barah, a junior at Edina High School, expressed gratitude for the council’s acknowledgment of his achievements in Congressional debate, where he debated topics like removing sanctions on Venezuela and implementing rank choice voting in the U.S. The council celebrated Barah’s accomplishments.

The discussion then shifted to the contentious development project on France Avenue. Community Development Director Carrie Teague presented the preliminary site plan review and zoning amendment, highlighting changes from a five-story to a six-story design. Council Member Jackson questioned the procedural integrity of the council’s actions, emphasizing that the change was not adequately communicated to the public. The debate revealed concerns about transparency and the clarity of documentation presented to both the council and residents. The project, which includes 153 residential units without the previously proposed retail space, faced scrutiny over parking adequacy and traffic implications. Residents expressed frustration over perceived discrepancies between project representations and actual outcomes.

The council also discussed traffic studies and potential measures to alleviate cut-through traffic in the Cornelia neighborhood. The developer assured adherence to the original designs to mitigate community apprehensions and emphasized the significant investment into the project, aligning it with sustainability and affordable housing policies. The council decided to table the matter, requesting staff to clarify data on traffic and parking before proceeding. This decision aimed to ensure a unified understanding of the project’s impact, with a refined analysis expected at the first council meeting in October.