The highlight of the Edina City Council meeting was the approval of a conditional use permit for Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, to open a showroom in the Galleria mall. The proposal, which had been under consideration since an earlier meeting, saw Rivian planning a 3,200-square-foot showroom with six test vehicles on-site. After initial safety concerns were raised, modifications were made to the original plan, including the addition of an exterior door and adherence to the fire marshal’s recommendations for battery safety. The council approved the resolution unanimously, welcoming Rivian’s presence and expressing excitement about the potential economic benefits for Edina.

Safety was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. During the community comment period, Nancy Greer, a resident, voiced concerns about pedestrian safety at the Eden Avenue crosswalk. She cited a lack of action by the city despite a recommendation from the traffic safety committee almost two years ago to install a warning flasher. With 133 residents backing her in a petition, Greer urged the council to prioritize safety measures, especially for senior citizens. An invitation was extended to the council to discuss the issue further with State Representative Ukim. The city manager acknowledged the concerns and promised to follow up with engineering staff for updates.

Another discussion centered on a proposed underpass at France Avenue, part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity. City staff presented conceptual designs, emphasizing community engagement and safety features, such as a wide, well-lit underpass. While the project has garnered support, some residents questioned its necessity and cost. The council agreed to continue gathering community input to balance safety enhancements with fiscal responsibility.

The council also deliberated on the transfer of a property on Eden Avenue from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to the city. This move aims to provide greater flexibility in using the proceeds from any future sale of the property, allowing the city to allocate funds to various community needs. The resolution passed.

In another development-related matter, the council examined a potential amendment to redevelopment agreements concerning the former Macy’s Furniture Gallery property. The amendment proposed a nine-month extension for the developer to meet tax increment financing (TIF) agreement deadlines. Despite concerns about the proposed development’s density, the amendment passed with a 4-1 vote, allowing the developer additional time to proceed.

Further discussions on TIF districts included recognizing new state legislation that could extend deadlines for the 70th and France and 72nd and France TIF districts. These resolutions were passed, although they sparked debate about the city’s potential to build a parking ramp and the associated risks. The council underscored the need for a high bar of approval from multiple bodies before any extension could be finalized.

The meeting also addressed funding concerns for an aquatic center project. A proposal to use part of the unassigned general fund to mitigate potential tariffs and establish a project contingency was approved. This decision aims to lower the project’s budget and reduce the city’s borrowing needs. However, a council member suggested that the funds could support staffing shortages in the fire department, a point that was countered by emphasizing the importance of securing reliable long-term revenue for staffing.