Controversy over the Noble Hill housing development project in southwestern Eden Prairie detonated in 2021. The reasons for the dispute are familiar to witnesses of other development battles in EP: proximity to treasured natural resources, engineering hurdles, questions over the need for more study, and a dose of Not in My Backyard (NIMBY). (See addl. EPLN reporting on the issue) But the biggest reason seemed to be the question of whether nearby Fredrick-Miller Spring, a city-owned landmark that attracts people from throughout the metro area and beyond, would be compromised. Opponents to Noble Hill said yes. The Eden Prairie City…
Author: Mark Weber
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Mark Weber
Mark joined the Eden Prairie News as a reporter in 1979, just five years after its start, and spent the next 34 years in various roles including editor and publisher, as well as general manager of the parent company, Southwest Newspapers. He also published Edible Twin Cities magazine. His encore career was serving the nonprofit Eden Prairie Community Foundation as executive director. Mark is now retired. He and his wife, Roma, have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law, as well as two grandsons. They have lived in Eden Prairie since 1984. "I hope the many words I have typed over the years have helped people understand the world around them."
An Asian-themed mix of grocery, restaurant, retail, and office uses would occupy the former Gander Mountain building at 12160 Technology Drive if a plan now being reviewed by city officials is approved. A big first step was accomplished Monday, June 28, when the Eden Prairie Planning Commission endorsed the multi-tenant project, called Asian Plaza, which now advances to city council review. The concept is similar to the food halls that are springing up across the country: a sprawling market that showcases numerous vendors and shops, most with a food theme. The local plan would be anchored by nearly 32,000 square…
The long-closed Burger King restaurant at Highway 5 and County Road 4 may soon be replaced by another Burger King building, under a plan approved unanimously Monday evening, June 28, by the Eden Prairie Planning Commission. The new restaurant would have a more modern look that is a new prototype for Burger King. It would have two drive-through-service lanes and an outdoor playground for children. The developer is Cave Enterprises Operating LLC, which is headquartered in Chicago and has 166 Burger King restaurants in six states. Its representative said Monday that Cave was encouraged by corporate Burger King to look…
Eight Rotary clubs including Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary have partnered with businesses on Lake Street in Minneapolis to support those businesses’ revitalization after the devastating events of the past year. One of the first events of the revitalization effort is a series of open houses involving Minneapolis businesses affected by the events of last year. This Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. eight Minneapolis businesses will be showcased. The Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club is partnered with El Amor Fashion, a minority-owned business in Minneapolis that specializes in dresses and formal wear for quinceañera and wedding celebrations. …
The Rev. Joel Quie says he looks at the next step in his life sort of like this: He’s standing on a dock that extends out into a lake. He knows the water will be wet, and cool, but many details remain unknown. “I think the next chapter is, I’ve got to jump in,” he says. It’s a good bet the next chapter in the life of Quie, who at the end of June is officially retired after leading Prairie Lutheran Church the past 25 years, will involve gathering together people from different backgrounds to, well, mostly talk. This is…
A plan to build a service station and auto-repair shop in the southeastern corner of Eden Prairie fell flat during the city’s review on Monday, June 14. The Eden Prairie Planning Commission voted 8-0 to recommend that the city council deny the request. Commissioners cited a number of concerns, mostly centered on the project’s compatibility with nearby established neighborhoods. The undeveloped, four-acre site at the intersection of Pioneer Trail/County Road 1 and Hennepin Town Road is expected to eventually hold commercial development, but this is the latest of several plans for that property to stumble. The proposed plan called for…
A plan to build 16 owner-occupied townhomes at 9360 Hennepin Town Road in southeastern Eden Prairie – where a single-family home currently exists – is among the items on the Eden Prairie City Council’s meeting agenda for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 15. The proposal is consistent with the City of Eden Prairie’s long-range plan, which calls for medium-density residential development on the property. The developer of Morimoto City Homes has voluntarily committed to making four of the units eligible for affordable-housing programs, according to city staff. For more information about the June 15, city council meeting see the agenda. Options…
This week’s hot and dry weather has the City of Eden Prairie reminding residents about lawn-watering restrictions. Because widespread lawn watering draws down water supplies, the city has long had year-round restrictions, primarily: If your street address ends with an odd number, you can only water on odd-numbered days of the month.If your street address ends with an even number, you can only water on even-numbered days of the month.No lawn watering is allowed from noon to 5 p.m., when peak temperatures make watering least effective. Fines range from $25 for a first offense to $200 for a fourth offense,…
The Eden Prairie Senior Center will re-open Monday, June 7, after being closed for nearly 15 months due to COVID-19. It’s taken a lot of time, and the lifting of COVID restrictions on gatherings, to get the city facility at 8950 Eden Prairie Road re-opened. It’s also taking a lot of communication with seniors, rescheduling of volunteers, and cleaning and disinfecting of the entire building, including cups and dishes. “It’s getting the entire house ready for company,” Sue Bohnsack, Senior Center manager, said in describing the preparations for next Monday. Because so many of the Senior Center’s activities are promoted…
The 2020 absence of Schooner Days due to COVID-19 hurt Eden Prairie residents in more ways than one. Not only was one of Eden Prairie’s longest-running community gatherings missed, but so were the financial proceeds that the Lions Club, sponsor of the event, normally earmarks for nonprofit grants and student scholarships. In a typical year, said past president Gary Watkins, the club might give away $30,000 to $35,000 in grants and scholarships, and as much as $70,000-plus. Last year, because there was no Schooner Days, it was closer to $2,000, he added. So, bright students and local nonprofits are joining…