City Council approves tree removal for Highway 100 interchange project

The Edina City Council convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the upcoming Highway 100 interchange project. The meeting began with a presentation regarding the need for tree removals along Highway 100, particularly near City Hall and adjacent to the northbound on-ramp.

Council Member Risser raised concerns about the removal of four trees located near 4901 Hawthorne Court, which are to be donated by the property owners to the city. Risser questioned the estimated cost of $4,000 to $5,000 for the removal and expressed uncertainty about the reimbursement process from the county or state for what appeared to be a municipal project.

City staff clarified that the overall project is estimated at $27 million, funded through multiple sources, including federal grants and municipal state aid. They assured the council that the city would not bear the financial burden of the tree removals, as a cooperative agreement with the county and state would cover the costs.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of salvaging the donated trees, which are suitable for transplanting. The city forester confirmed that these coniferous trees, planted a few years ago, would be relocated to Todd Park.

Further dialogue addressed the necessity of tree removals for the project, with city officials noting that some trees are required to be cleared to accommodate new infrastructure, including a noise wall requested by the community. The council confirmed that no trees on private property would be affected, and specific trees along the MnDOT right-of-way would be removed as part of the project.

After thorough discussion, Council Member Risser moved to approve the request for purchase related to the tree removals for the Highway 100 interchange project. The motion was seconded and passed with a unanimous vote.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to managing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects while ensuring financial accountability through collaborative funding efforts. The council plans to review further details of the project at their next meeting on April 16, following the opening of bids for the larger project.