Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Edina public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in roads with high priority
Street and Alley Reconstruction Projects
Nearly $10 million was awarded to rebuild neighborhood streets in the Prospect Knolls A, C & D and Parklawn Court area. Residents there will see construction — and smoother roads — in the coming season.
France Avenue sidewalk gap closure
After nearly 20 years of exploring ways to expand the Edina Promenade, staff were scheduled to update the HRA on a pedestrian crossing of France Avenue connecting the South Cornelia and Parklawn neighborhoods with Centennial Lakes. Options range from moving ahead with design and phased construction to dropping the idea.
PACS Fund Investments in Sidewalks and Bike Facilities
The council removed sidewalks from the Prospect Knolls reconstruction after a neighbor petition — mostly over who has to shovel and pay for repairs. Commissioners worry the same pattern will keep repeating and plan surveys and one-on-one council outreach to change minds.
Wooddale Avenue Bike Lane Project
An advisory communication supports bike lanes on Wooddale, which would mean removing on-street parking. Staff will bring a recommendation back in May after gathering community feedback.
Traffic Safety Action Plan (Vision Zero)
Edina adopted a data-driven plan to reach zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2050, with a priority network of high-crash streets and safety countermeasures built into future road projects.
Rosland Park Pedestrian Bridge Bids Over Budget
Tree removal has started under DNR guidance, and the city is waiting on final MnDOT approval before bidding — a formality, staff say, though it caused delays. Decorative cladding will be bid as an alternate in case it doesn't fit the budget.
France Avenue Tunnel Project Transparency
A resident urged the council to hold a formal public hearing open to all Edina residents before any more money is spent on the proposed France Avenue tunnel project, saying the process needs more transparency and broader community input.
Safe and Equitable Mobility Action Plan (CMAP)
The Transportation Commission, frustrated that council votes keep stripping sidewalks from street projects, asked for an ordinance requiring master-plan facilities. The council stopped short of that but directed staff to build community engagement on ped/bike facilities into the 2028 Comprehensive Plan.
Crosswalk at Concord Avenue and West 60th Street
The Traffic Safety Committee recommends a crosswalk here to protect kids walking to Concord Elementary. A commissioner who walks the corner daily reports weekly close calls and questions why it isn't a four-way stop. The proposed connecting sidewalk is more than five years out under current funding.
Brookview Ave and W 55th St intersection safety
Neighbors, including families with young kids, have pushed for years for a four-way stop at this intersection, citing near-misses with children walking to Arden Park. The item was pulled from tonight's agenda after a staff process failure; the council apologized and will take it up in April.
School-Hour Parking Restrictions near Southview Middle School
Parents double-parking during school pickup on Concord Terrace are blocking garbage and bus access. The commission recommended school-day parking restrictions along the whole north side of the street and part of St. John's — but some members expect a 'whack-a-mole' shift of parked cars to nearby Woodland.
Citywide Speed Limits and Street Safety
A staff evaluation found the 2021 speed limit cuts didn't slow drivers down — speeds actually rose — and crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists more than doubled. A resident urged the council to pump more money into the PACS safety fund, which currently funds about $20,000 a year.