HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdition Edina Feb2022City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 1
Southdale TIF District Closes as ‘True Success Story’
City’s $5 Million Investment Spurs Popular Projects and Revitalizes Mall Area
BY DEBBIE TOWNSEND
Coming out of the Great Recession, the area
around Southdale Center was struggling.
The mall’s estimated market value had
declined from nearly $200 million in 2005
to less than $120 million in 2011.
The City applied a State-approved
economic revitalization financing tool to
improve the aging shopping center in hopes
of attracting investment to surrounding
properties. The City provided an interest-
free $5 million loan to the owners of
Southdale Center, with the condition that
they invest at least $15 million into the
exterior and common areas of the mall..
The Southdale 2 Tax Increment Finance
(TIF) District, as the tool was known, was
officially decertified as planned at the end
of 2021. So far, it’s resulted in:
• Simon Properties putting $40 million into
the mall.
• mall market value soaring to nearly
$300 million.
• 17 other major projects that poured more
than $340 million into the area.
Shoppers and visitors might better
recognize some of the investments as these
popular projects: Galleria East expansion,
Hilton Homewood Suites, Life Time Fitness,
RH Gallery, Shake Shack and Shoppes
at Estelle.
“It’s a true success story from an economic
development perspective, and it shows the
power of what a relatively small investment
from the City can have,” said Economic
Development Manager Bill Neuendorf.
It also spurred Aria, Onyx and Millennium
apartments, Aurora on France, the new
Bank of America branch, medical offices,
dozens of other remodels, small businesses
and services.
Mayor Jim Hovland recalled City leaders
wondering in 2011 if the $5 million
investment would make a difference.
Within a year, One Southdale Apartments
had been proposed, and it was off and
running from there, he noted.
“It’s a phenomenal story of the use of TIF,”
he said.
The Southdale 2 TIF District has been
so wildly successful that it has produced
millions to help affordable housing projects,
including 66 West, The Sound on 76th and
Cornelia View Apartments.
“This TIF district was the right thing to do
at the right time,” Neuendorf said. “We
had some goals and some big dreams. We
met not only our goals, we fulfilled some of
those dreams as well.”
Learn more about TIF at EdinaMN.gov/TIF.
Edition: Edina
FEBRUARY 2022
Volume 9, Issue 2Strong FoundationCITY GOALS:Better TogetherReliable Service Livable City
The Southdale 2 TIF District spurred 18 major
projects, including construction of Homewood Suites
by Hilton and extensive improvements to Southdale
Center, shown in background.
Aurora on
France, which
offers high-end
senior living and
care, was one of
many residential
projects built in
the Southdale
area over the
last several
years.
COLD TEMPERATURES
KEEP BRAEMAR FIELD
TRACK BUSY
The popular indoor walking
track at Braemar Field, 7509
Ikola Way, is free and open
seven days a week, providing
Edinans a winterproof way
to get in their laps. It is open
6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through
Friday and 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday. For safety
reasons, the track closes during
lacrosse, baseball and softball
practices. You can learn more
and view the full schedule
at BraemarField.com.
(Photo by Dan Reisig)
22
BY THE NUMBERS
Edinborough
Park
BY JENNIFER BENNEROTTE
Work is expected to begin this month or
next on a project to protect homes in the
Morningside Neighborhood from flooding.
The Morningside Neighborhood has many
homes at risk of flooding, and climate
change is increasing the risk. Last year,
the Edina City Council approved a plan to
protect homes from flooding by storing
floodwaters at Weber Park and safely
moving floodwaters through surrounding
public spaces.
“Residents have been very involved in
the project. They provided feedback
and influenced the design,” said Water
Resources Manager Jessica Wilson.
“Common themes were reduce flood risk,
minimize tree removal, enhance natural
spaces and maintain active play spaces
and areas for walking dogs.”
The project will be completed in three
phases. The first will be the removal
of trees to be completed before the
end of March. The grading to create
flood storage will then take place in a
separate contract. Finally, the upstream
pipe capacity work will occur as part of
a neighborhood street reconstruction
project in 2022 and 2023.
Weber Pond flood storage will increase
by four times and the Lynn/Kipling
inundation area flood storage will be
twice as big. About six acres of trees
will be removed around Weber Pond to
expand and lower the pond to hold the
floodwaters. City Forester Luther Overholt
assures residents that large native trees
will be preserved in upland areas and
impacted areas will also be reforested.
The City will deliver select hardwood logs
from the tree removal to Wood From the
Hood, a Minneapolis company that uses
reclaimed wood to build furniture, trim,
décor and games.
City Begins First Phase of Project to Reduce Flooding in
Morningside Neighborhood
Weber Pond to Hold Four Times More Floodwaters
- COMPILED BY RICARDO ACOSTA
The flood infrastructure project also includes:
• An expanded pipe and swale to provide
overflow from the Lynn/Kipling inundation
area and the Grimes Avenue low point, and an
expanded and reconfigured pipe network and
minor grade changes, to move water away
from homes.
• Improved pedestrian access to the park with
ADA-compliant trails in Weber Park.
• Upgraded sports fields with new turf and
irrigation systems.
“Weber Woods remains an important
recreational amenity for the neighborhood,”
Wilson said. “The project will continue to serve
visitors who use the park for dog walking and
enjoying nature.”
For more information, visit
BetterTogetherEdina.org/morningside.
Edinborough Park is a fully enclosed indoor park at 7700 York Ave. S.
It’s best known for its huge indoor playpark and multi-story play structure,
Adventure Peak. It’s also home to a Greek-style amphitheater and a
running track, fitness area and junior Olympic-size pool for lap swims and
water classes.
For more information, visit EdinboroughPark.com.
37 height of
Adventure Peak
in feet
42,000
how the park
measures in square feet
37
17
years the park has
been open
events scheduled in
the amphitheater
each month
Watch City Council, Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission meetings live:
• Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16)
• Facebook.com/EdinaMN
• “Watch a City Meeting” web page at EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings
Watch other meetings live at
youtube.com/EdinaTV.
3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov 3City of Edina EdinaMN.gov
BY BRITTANY BADER
The City of Edina has been allocated more
than $4.9 million as part of the federal
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aimed
at providing pandemic relief and boosting
the local economy. Of these funds, up
to $500,000 will be used to sponsor free
high-speed internet through Comcast’s
Internet Essentials Program for qualifying
residents until the end of December 2022.
All residents who live in one of the City’s
affordable housing units are eligible to
apply. Other residents are encouraged
to apply if they meet all of the following
requirements:
• Live in Edina
• Are 18 years of age or older
• Have a household income that does not
exceed 80 percent of the area median
income for Hennepin County
INCOME ELIGIBILITY CHART
“There are households that do not have
active home internet service due to cost or
other factors. Having this opportunity can
make a big difference in their everyday
lives,” said Annie Coyle, a consultant
working with the City of Edina to help
implement ARPA programs. “By removing
financial barriers to access, entire
households can benefit and get support.”
Using Census data, it was determined
that there are approximately 6,175
economically vulnerable residents in Edina
who were likely disproportionately harmed
by the pandemic and might benefit from
free high-speed internet.
“By providing this program, we want to
level the playing field for who can access
information, whether it’s for education,
work, telemedicine appointments,
ordering groceries, banking or just general
knowledge,” said Stephanie Hawkinson,
Affordable Housing Development
Manager. “Not having access to the
internet is a serious hurdle, especially
given the changes the COVID-19
pandemic has caused in our society.”
The ARPA funds are expected to support
approximately 2,100 households, and
applications will be accepted on a
first-come, first-served basis until
December. Approved applicants will be
given a unique access code to provide
to Comcast, which will then mail the
necessary equipment to the resident’s
home, typically providing internet in about
one week from the point of contact.
Residents can choose to continue with
the Internet Essentials Program after the
City’s sponsorship ends for its regular cost
(currently $9.95 plus tax per month).
“We want to close the information
disparity gap between those who have
internet and those who do not. We want
to make sure everyone has access who
needs it,” said Hawkinson.
To apply, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org or
schedule an appointment with Hawkinson,
952-833-9578 or shawkinson@EdinaMN.gov.
Free High-Speed Internet Available
for Income-Qualified Residents
ARPA Funds Will Be Used to Provide Service for up to
2,100 Households in 2022
Number of People in Household Annual Household Income Limit
1 $58,800
2 $67,200
3 $75,600
4 $83,920
5 $90,640
6 $97,360
7 $104,080
8 $110,800
Additional information may be required to
determine eligibility.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Recurring Events:
Concerts in the Park,
Edinborough Park Amphitheater
6 p.m. Sundays
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting, Virtual
Thursday, Feb. 10, 7:30 a.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
meeting, Virtual
Thursday, Feb. 10, 11:30 a.m.
Storyteller Carol McCormick,
“Mrs. Val N. Tine,” Edinborough Park
Amphitheater
Friday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Movie Night in the Amphitheater,
“Sonic the Hedgehog,”
Edinborough Park
Friday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m.
Candyland Trail, Centennial Lakes Park
The park will have food available
for purchase and a sweet Candyland
trail to walk. It is free to participate,
but pre-registration is required at
EdinaParks.com/SpecialEvents
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
City Council meeting, Virtual
Monday, Feb. 21, Presidents Day
City offices closed
Thursday, Feb. 24, 11:30 a.m.
The Jolly Pops, Edinborough Park
Amphitheater
For a complete listing of meetings and
events, visit EdinaMN.gov.PHOTO: THEJOLLYPOPS.COM
952-927-8861 | mail@EdinaMN.gov City of Edina EdinaMN.gov4
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EdinaMN.gov/SomaliEE EdinaMN.gov/SpanishEE
Escanee este código para ver en español
City Cleans Up Zoning Ordinance
Ordinance Includes Better Definitions, Clarifies Regulations, Establishes Impervious Surface Requirements
Doing a bit of housekeeping, the City
recently amended its zoning ordinance to
clarify how setbacks are measured in the
Greater Southdale Area.
In the summer of 2020, the City Council
amended the setback requirement for
buildings on France and York avenues
to 50 feet from the curb. On all other
streets, the setback is to be 30 feet from
the curb. The intent of the change was
to encourage green space, landscaping
and safe pedestrian movement in front of
buildings, instead of parking lots or drive
aisles that the previous regulations created
in the district.
Due to an oversight, when the
amendment was adopted, the
“definitions” section of the ordinance
was not updated to match in 2020. The
most recent ordinance amendment brings
everything into alignment.
Other changes, which went into effect
Jan. 19, include:
• Establishment of an impervious surface
requirement. Impervious surface is
defined as a “constructed hard surface
that either prevents or retards the
entry of water into the soil and causes
water to run off the surface in greater
quantities and at an increased rate of
flow than prior to placement.”
• Building coverage was clarified to
eliminate patios and recreation facilities
like tennis courts. Now, patios, tennis
courts and similar amenities will be
regulated under the rules for impervious
surface.
• The requirement to install a basement
with any new single-family home is
eliminated.
• The “One-Foot Rule” was revised. For
several years, the City Code has required
the first-floor elevation of a new home
not exceed the first-floor elevation of
the previous home on the site by more
than one foot. Because that conflicts
with the City’s requirement for the low-
floor elevation of new homes to be two
feet above a flood elevation, the “One-
Foot Rule” does not apply if there is a
floodplain or high-water elevation issue.
In other business last month, the City
Council:
• Approved a resolution calling for strong
law enforcement to return a sense
of safety to the community. It calls
for prosecution of repeat offenders
and ensures enforcement is not
discriminatory or leads to racial profiling.
• Agreed to meet virtually through the
end of February to slow the spread of
COVID-19. The City’s advisory boards
and commissions will also meet virtually.
• Approved the purchase of a pedestrian
bridge for Hole 16 at Braemar Golf
Course. Golfers who walk and play
slow the speed of play at that hole due
to the length of the cart path around
a water hazard. The new bridge will
provide a direct path to the 16th green
and increase the speed of play, allowing
more customers on the course each day.
• Called for state and federal help in
responding to climate change. Among
other things, the resolution asks the
State to coordinate responses to climate
change among cities, counties, regional
planning organizations, commerce,
industry and agriculture and the
federal government to invest in the
infrastructure needed for a sustainable
future and to provide the necessary
global leadership to keep global
warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit.
The City Council next meets virtually 7
p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb.
15. Meetings can be viewed live on Edina
TV (Comcast Channels 813 and 16) or
online at EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings or
Facebook.com/EdinaMN.
- Compiled by Jennifer Bennerotte
Winter heat bills too high?
Let the Home Energy Squad save you money and energy.
Call 651-328-6220 or sign up online at
xcelenergy.com/HomeEnergySquad.
$50or lessfor Edinaresidents
CITY OF EDINA
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EDINA, MN 55424
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