Minnetonka Mayor Predicts LRT Maintenance Shop Going to Eden Prairie

The public doesn't yet know where Southwest Light Rail planners want to put a controversial operation and maintenance facility that will serve trains on the corridor. But Minnetonka Mayor Terry Schneider is betting it’ll go to Eden Prairie.

Southwest Light Rail Transit planners have selected a Hopkins site off K-Tel drive as one of two finalists for the operation and maintenance facility that will service trains along the corridor. Hopkins officials worry that it’ll mean the loss of tax base and lucrative redevelopment opportunities.

But Scheider told the Minnetonka City Council on Monday that he expects planners will negotiate with Eden Prairie to take the facility in exchange for an extra stop they want.

“My guess is when it all shakes out it’ll go to Eden Prairie,” he said.

The public will find out whether that’s the case when planners present the final recommended site to the business and community advisory committees July 25. They’ll then take it to the Southwest LRT Corridor Management Committee on Aug. 7. It will go before the Met Council in August.

Other news you should know about today:

• Only a week left of extended beach hours: Shady Oak Beach is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Aug. 1. Get your evening swimming in before then. From Aug. 2 to Aug. 25, the beach closes at 8 p.m.
• Start thinking about elections: The candidate filing period runs from July 30 to Aug. 13. The last day for candidates to withdraw is Aug. 15. This year, there are openings for mayor, two City Council members and three Hopkins School Board members. Find out more here.