6016 Vernon Avenue, Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Site Plan with Variances

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Ionna Rechargery is proposing to remodel the existing Kee’s auto repair shop at 6016 Vernon Avenue into an electric vehicle charging station. An electric vehicle charging station is a permitted use in the PCD-4 zoning district, in which this site is located. The site, however, is guided for medium density residential use in the Comprehensive Plan. The site would feature seven level 3 DC fast chargers. The existing building would be remodeled to be a lounge waiting area with a mini convenience store or vending machines. The desired hours of operation is 24 hours per day. To accommodate this request, the following is requested:

  • A Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment to re-guide the site from MDR, Medium Density Residential to NN, Neighborhood Node. The site is zoned PCD-4, in which a gas station is a permitted use. A gas station is defined as “a principal building and its accessory structures used for the sale of motor fuels and oils, where automotive accessories and convenience goods may be sold, but where repair and servicing of motor vehicles does not occur; provided, however, that an accessory carwash is permitted.”
  • Site Plan Review.
  • Multiple Variances: Drive Aisle/Parking Space Setbacks from 20 to 2 feet, Setback to Residential Property from 50 and 110 feet to 12 and 60 feet, Canopy setbacks from 35 & 25 to 0 and 5 feet, Pump Island Setbacks from 20 to 10 and 0 feet, Patio setback from 20 to 2 feet, Mechanical Equipment Setback from 35 to 13 feet, and Parking Lot Setback from the Building from 10 to 2 and 6 feet.

Site Plan showing the pump islands, landscaping, fencing and building.

Ionna Rechargery is proposing to remodel the existing Kee’s auto repair shop at 6016 Vernon Avenue into an electric vehicle charging station. An electric vehicle charging station is a permitted use in the PCD-4 zoning district, in which this site is located. The site, however, is guided for medium density residential use in the Comprehensive Plan. The site would feature seven level 3 DC fast chargers. The existing building would be remodeled to be a lounge waiting area with a mini convenience store or vending machines. The desired hours of operation is 24 hours per day. To accommodate this request, the following is requested:

  • A Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment to re-guide the site from MDR, Medium Density Residential to NN, Neighborhood Node. The site is zoned PCD-4, in which a gas station is a permitted use. A gas station is defined as “a principal building and its accessory structures used for the sale of motor fuels and oils, where automotive accessories and convenience goods may be sold, but where repair and servicing of motor vehicles does not occur; provided, however, that an accessory carwash is permitted.”
  • Site Plan Review.
  • Multiple Variances: Drive Aisle/Parking Space Setbacks from 20 to 2 feet, Setback to Residential Property from 50 and 110 feet to 12 and 60 feet, Canopy setbacks from 35 & 25 to 0 and 5 feet, Pump Island Setbacks from 20 to 10 and 0 feet, Patio setback from 20 to 2 feet, Mechanical Equipment Setback from 35 to 13 feet, and Parking Lot Setback from the Building from 10 to 2 and 6 feet.

Site Plan showing the pump islands, landscaping, fencing and building.

Public Input - 6016 Vernon Ave

The City of Edina offers several ways for people to provide input on development projects. Regardless of the method, all public input is considered, so people need to use only one method. 

Instructions for leaving a public comment below:

  • Your comment will be available to Planning Commission, City Council, staff and others to review immediately instead of waiting until the public hearing.
  • Your comment will be posted and publicly viewable as soon as you hit 'Submit'.
  • You will not be able to edit or remove your comment.
  • Please introduce yourself, your neighborhood and your thoughts about this project.
    Example: Barbara Smith, The Heights. The project is two blocks from my home and my children would have to walk past it every day on their way to school. Please consider adding sidewalks to this project.

Other ways to provide comment:

1 - Leave a voicemail with your public input at 952-826-0377. Staff will submit the transcribed voicemail to Better Together Edina. (Available once project application is submitted)

2 - Two public hearings will take place for each development project in the City Hall Council Chambers, 4801 W. 50th St. Attend the meetings in person to give public input or watch the meetings live from home on Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 or 16) or EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings(External link). Call in to provide live testimony at 312-535-8110. Call in access code and password are provided in the meeting agenda which can be found at EdinaMN.gov/Agendas(External link).  

Generally, the City Council makes a decision on each development project at the City Council meeting following the second public hearing.

If you have any difficulties with participating, contact Community Engagement Manager, MJ Lamon at MLamon@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0360.

You need to be signed in to comment in this Guest Book. Click here to Sign In or Register to get involved

I support the EV Project. Finally there is a proposal which will use the site efficiently and not present a problem to the residents of the area close to the site. Maureen Lannan 6105 Eden Prairie Rd # 14, 55436

Maureen L About 13 hours ago

To all concerned parties.
I would like to support the EV project. I live at 6020 Kaymar drive, less than two blocks from the proposed EV station. It has come to my attention that people living more than 3 blocks away are still trying to figure out how to have a restaurant on the site. This current EV proposal seems like the best one so far as it utilizes the space efficiently, while benefiting the environment and the community at large, and will have less impact on the immediate neighborhood.
We have been down the restaurant path twice already and it should be obvious with all the time, energy and resources put in to the proposed restaurant projects that were not not approved by the city council, that his is the most acceptable proposal and solution for all. It is easy for people who are not directly impacted by a proposal to see other, perhaps more desirable, options for themselves, with no concern for those most impacted.
Thank you,
Mary Kenealy-Bredice

mary Kenealybredice 2 days ago

We live diagonally across Eden Prairie Rd. from the Kevin Kee’s site and support the proposal for an EV charging station at this location.

It meets a community need as we move toward a reduced carbon future, acknowledges the reality of a small land parcel with limited room for parking, and will not create significant traffic congestion on Vernon Ave. at peak hours.

The proposal seems unlikely to create excessive noise and traffic in our neighborhood and is unlikely to lead to overflow parking on Eden Prairie Rd.

We look forward to watching this proposal as it moves forward !

Reid Family - 6012 Eden Prairie Rd.

Sam R. 2 days ago

This option is a solid compromise between those who wanted to change the zoning for a restaurant and the close neighbors who would have preferred to keep it residential. Considering the spot used to be a gas station, it's a great modern-day makeover with a fun nod to the site's history.

It has been an eyesore for far too long and a stress and annoyance to all who drive past it daily. There will be no perfect solution that all are happy with and five years is long enough for this to drag out. Please accept this option so the community can move forward.

Sarah Irwin 9 days ago

Who parks at a EV station? Likely not neighbors who are charging at home. It’s going to turn into a hangout spot for non resident drivers and a parking lot for ride sharing companies wanting quick access to highway 100 or 62.

This type of facility, if successful, will increase non-local traffic and extended stays of non locals in a non commercial sector of our neighborhood thus changing the character of our streets. This will create impacts on traffic, crime and children that can be better managed in commercial areas, not here.

Our neighborhood should not serve as a stopover for pass-through drivers.

I urge the Council to reject this proposal and instead prioritize a use that serves residents such as neighborhood-oriented space-or consider acquiring the property to preserve it for low-impact purposes.

Nicole Murphy 10 days ago

My husband, our three children, and I live on View Lane, just half a mile from the proposed site. The idea of a transient car charging station, where individuals from off the highway can pull in, park, and remain for extended periods, raises serious concerns for our family and our neighborhood.

While we all agree that the property has sat vacant for far too long and should be put to good use, this type of development does not feel like the right fit for a residential area like ours. We understand that zoning requirements must be considered, but we strongly believe there are far more community-oriented options that would better serve local residents.

Businesses such as a small ice cream or coffee shop, or even a pizza and wine bar, would create a welcoming space for neighbors to gather and connect. These types of establishments enhance the character and safety of a neighborhood, rather than introducing a revolving presence of transient traffic.

We invest significantly in our community through property taxes and take pride in where we live. For that reason, we feel strongly that any development at this location should contribute positively to the sense of community, safety, and stability we value.

We respectfully ask that alternative uses for this property be more thoughtfully considered, ones that reflect the needs and desires of the families who live here.

Lindsay Dubbeldee 10 days ago

I live near Vernon/view - I am tired of seeing this lot empty but I’m concerned about who would be using this EV charging station. We have an EV, our charger in our garage because it’s much more convenient and the electric company offers subsidies to install in home. I assume most EV owners in this area have their own home chargers too. Users of these chargers would be using it as a stopping point or a place to wait for their next uber request to drive someone to the airport. I don’t want my kids riding their bikes around a parking lot with a bunch of strangers and uber drivers sitting around.

chelseythurston 11 days ago

i am in strong favor of developing this property into something great for the community and neighborhoods nearby (mine included). this proposal is not that. this does not benefit the neighborhood nor add connection or walkability. i'd like the city to focus efforts on things that are people and community connection first, not cars first.

bebrenners 11 days ago

I Am tired of driving by that location and seeing that eye sore for years. I am amazed it has taken so long for the city to approve anything for that site. i am ok with the current option. Even though electric car sales are slumping.

Jeff b gisselbeck 12 days ago

My household (50 feet away) strongly supports this development proposal. This site has been difficult to redevelop for years due to the challenge of finding a project that is financially viable, aligned with existing zoning, and doesn't negatively infringe on the surrounding neighborhood. This proposal meets these criteria. For me, this clearly falls into the category of "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good".

I also think the convenience option will be a surprise amenity here. The cut-through pathway walkers plus Vernon bikers will stop by for a water fill-up, and my kids are already excited about walking over for a pop and a candy bar.

This has been vacant too long and this is a solution that works for the developer and for the local neighborhood.

peppermatthew 14 days ago

Seems like a solid use for the old gas station. It fits the zoning. A restaurant would have been better, but that didn't get approval. It's time to approve a use for this vacant property. This seems as good as any.

Chris Davis 15 days ago

I've seen the previous proposals for restaurants here which would have been great assets to the local neighborhood where people could walk for a bite to eat. This proposal for a 24 hour convenience store/charging station is not a neighborhood asset. Not sure why this is even being considered. As a 35 year resident of Edina, I do not want this in my neighborhood.

Scott Busyn 20 days ago
Page published: 23 Mar 2026, 12:48 PM