6016 Vernon Avenue, Station Pizza-Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning and Site Plan with Variances

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This proposal was denied on December 17, 2024 with the City Council.


The applicant, Jake Schaffer of Station Pizza, is proposing to remodel and expand the existing Kee’s auto repair building at 6016 Vernon Avenue into a 1,685 square foot, 20-seat restaurant. The new restaurant would be a Station Pizza with indoor dining, take-out and delivery service. The existing site is zoned PCD-4, Planned Commercial District, which allows only automobile service centers, gas stations and car washes. Restaurants are allowed uses in the PCD-1, Planned Commercial Zoning District. The site is guided in the Comprehensive Plan for medium density residential use.

To accommodate the request the following is required:

  • A Comprehensive Plan Amendment from MDR, Medium Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial (a new land use designation).
  • A Rezoning from PCD-4, Planned Commercial District 4 to PCD-1, Planned Commercial District 1, with a lot size variance to allow a restaurant in the PCD-1 District less than 1 acre in size.
  • Site Plan Review with the following Variances:
  1. A Side Yard setback variance from 25 to 13 feet for the building expansion.
  2. A Front Street Setback Variance (toward Eden Prairie Road) from 35 feet to 20 feet for the building expansion and from 35 feet to 9 feet for the patio and bike rack area.
  3. Parking Lot Setback Variances from 10 feet to 0 feet for separation between the building and parking lot, and from 20 feet to 0 feet along the north lot line for 1 new stall.


This proposal was denied on December 17, 2024 with the City Council.


The applicant, Jake Schaffer of Station Pizza, is proposing to remodel and expand the existing Kee’s auto repair building at 6016 Vernon Avenue into a 1,685 square foot, 20-seat restaurant. The new restaurant would be a Station Pizza with indoor dining, take-out and delivery service. The existing site is zoned PCD-4, Planned Commercial District, which allows only automobile service centers, gas stations and car washes. Restaurants are allowed uses in the PCD-1, Planned Commercial Zoning District. The site is guided in the Comprehensive Plan for medium density residential use.

To accommodate the request the following is required:

  • A Comprehensive Plan Amendment from MDR, Medium Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial (a new land use designation).
  • A Rezoning from PCD-4, Planned Commercial District 4 to PCD-1, Planned Commercial District 1, with a lot size variance to allow a restaurant in the PCD-1 District less than 1 acre in size.
  • Site Plan Review with the following Variances:
  1. A Side Yard setback variance from 25 to 13 feet for the building expansion.
  2. A Front Street Setback Variance (toward Eden Prairie Road) from 35 feet to 20 feet for the building expansion and from 35 feet to 9 feet for the patio and bike rack area.
  3. Parking Lot Setback Variances from 10 feet to 0 feet for separation between the building and parking lot, and from 20 feet to 0 feet along the north lot line for 1 new stall.


Public Input- 6016 Vernon Avenue

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.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Lindsay Dubbeldee, View Lane. I am in full support of the proposed plan. The lot has been underutilized for way too long and it’s time we make it into something the neighborhood can enjoy. It’s 10 blocks from our home, and it would amazing to walk there and pick up food on a Friday night. Pizza, sandwiches, maybe ice cream for the kids? We are excited to see this plan come to life!

Lindsay Dubbeldee 5 months ago
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We Support for Station Pizza in Edina
As a proud member of the Edina community, I’m thrilled about the possibility of Station Pizza opening its doors in our neighborhood. Local businesses like Station Pizza bring more than just great food—they create spaces for families, friends, and neighbors to gather, connect, and build community.
Station Pizza’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere aligns perfectly with the values that make Edina such a special place to live. This project has the potential to not only enhance our dining scene but also contribute to the local economy by supporting jobs and fostering a vibrant, walkable neighborhood.
Let’s show our support for Station Pizza and the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on our community. We can’t wait to welcome them to Edina!

JenHagness 5 months ago
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Lori M, Parkwood Knolls. We are in support of this proposal. This would be great for the area and an excellent use of the space. Neighborhood restaurant owned by a neighbor - win/win.

Lori MacLachlan 5 months ago
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Hi I am Lisa J and I live on Olinger Road. Our family is in favor of the new Station Pizza. We are excited to have a restaurant so close to us!

Lisa Jahnke 5 months ago
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Annie Tropple, Birchcrest. I fully support and would be excited to have another restaurant option in Edina, owned by one of our neighbors. What a win-win. Great food (love the existing Station Pizza) and supporting our neighbors and friends. I hope this goes through!

Annie 5 months ago
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(Katie Kloos - Countryside neighborhood) This location is a 15 minute walk from our home. I support this proposal, which seems appropriate for the site. This lot has been an eyesore for years - it’s time to move forward.

Katie Kloos 5 months ago
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We are in full support of this proposal, as it would support a local small business as well as green initiatives by promoting walkability and shorter drives.

Amy Perkins, APRN, CNP 5 months ago
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Tim Grimsrud. Parkwood Knolls resident. This project would be an excellent addition to the neighborhood. Very much in favor of this.

Timothy Grimsrud 5 months ago
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This project is what our neighborhood has been longing for; more walkable restaurant choices, and updates a long overdue eyesore. Get it done!

Alex Weicherding 5 months ago
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Why are we still talking about this? Let’s get this done. It would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and the Edina community.
Tammy T

Tammy Tomoson 5 months ago
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We would love to have a small pizza shop in walking distance! Please make it happen!

Tom 5 months ago
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We are in full support of the restaurant and would love the city council's support.
Quinn Family
Fox Meadow

Don Quinn 5 months ago
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I support Jake Schaffer’s proposal to open a small 20-seat restaurant in the former Kevin Kee’s Auto Shop location at 6016 Vernon. As a resident living close to Vernon just 0.3 miles from this site, I believe this project will be a positive addition to our neighborhood.
This scaled-back concept addresses many of the concerns previously raised, and it represents an excellent opportunity to revitalize the space with a community-oriented establishment. A small, locally owned restaurant will enhance the area and provide a welcoming spot for neighbors to gather.
I encourage the City Council to follow the recommendations of the City Staff and Planning Commission by approving the rezoning request. This project will enrich our community and be a valuable asset to the Vernon corridor.

Lissa Diebold
Glengarry Pkwy
Highlands

LDiebold 5 months ago
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Removed by moderator.

Shays07 5 months ago
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We support this pizza place. We live on the west side and would love to have a community place to walk to.

Lindsay Sorem 5 months ago
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This would be such a wonderful addition to the community. My biggest issue with Edina is that it is not walkable for people in that neighborhood. This would finally bring a family place we could walk and bike to. We live 2-3 blocks away and I think it would be great!

JLS 5 months ago
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There is zero reason to obstruct this proposal. Please get it done.

John Wanninger 5 months ago
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We live on Schaefer rd and would be very happy to have a pizza restaurant walking distance from our home. We support the development. It's sized so as not to produce undue disruption to the neighborhood … it will actually add value to our neighborhood and make it more appealing. Madrigal family

David Madrigal 5 months ago
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We live on Merritt Circle, close by to the proposed development at 6016 Vernon. We support the development. It's sized so as not to produce undue distruption to the neighborhood and we like the idea of having a pizza restaurant we could walk to. Tim & MJ Coats

Tim Coats 5 months ago
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We live on Merold Drive and we are in full support of having Station Pizza joining the neighborhood. Please approve this restaurant- it would be a welcome addition!
Lisa and Anj Gardner

Gardner Family 5 months ago
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Page last updated: 20 Dec 2024, 06:38 AM