Council approves Elevare Second Edition plats, floodplain alteration and easement vacations

The Minnetonka City Council voted Feb. 2 to approve preliminary and final plats, a floodplain alteration permit and easement vacations for the Elevare Second Edition subdivision along Plymouth Road.

Planning staff (Miss Thomas) explained that the proposal does not create new lots (the site will still contain two homes), shifts a common lot line to balance lot sizes, relocates driveway access from Plymouth Road to Emerald Trail to better align with county road goals, and modifies 100‑year floodplain boundaries in a way staff said increases floodplain storage on site. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and concurred with staff’s recommendation.

Developer Kurt Swanson described coordination with an on‑site forester and said the project includes a tree replacement plan. "We'll be planting hundreds of trees in there as we build each house so we can thoughtfully do it," Swanson said. Council members asked about cumulative tree loss in the broader Elevare neighborhood; Miss Thomas said woodland preservation area status had changed and that high‑priority trees remain in some locations, but a new inventory would be required to answer total loss questions.

Council member Calvert emphasized preserving boulevard trees and neighborhood character while acknowledging the practical benefits of moving driveway access off Plymouth Road. The council voted to adopt the staff and Planning Commission recommendations; roll call showed the required votes and the resolutions carried.