Legislature tosses Trader Joe's variance request back to the city

By SUSAN FEYDER, Star Tribune

Last update: May 20, 2009 - 2:50 PM

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The issue of whether a Trader Joe's with a wine and liquor store can open in Minneapolis' Whittier neighborhood has landed back in the laps of city officials.

Minneapolis developer Mark Dzuik had proposed a project for Lyndale Avenue S. near 22nd Street that would combine housing with street-level retail, including the budget gourmet grocer. But two neighboring merchants, the Wedge Community Co-op and Hum's Liquor Store, said their businesses would be hurt if a Trader Joe's moves in.

Off-sale liquor stores in Minneapolis can't be closer to each other than 2,000 feet. The Trader Joe's would be across the street from Hum's, violating that law.

Last month, the Minnesota Legislature began considering a bill that would give the city authority to grant a variance specifically at the Lyndale site. The City Council voted to support the measure, saying it would still separately consider whether to grant the variance.

But earlier this month, Senate Counsel Christopher Stang said the state shouldn't be involved, effectively putting the issue back with the city.

Dzuik said Tuesday the project will not go forward without the Trader Joe's. He said he expects to submit plans if the city approves the variance. He has an option to buy the site and has said he would like to begin work late this year.

Susan Feyder • 612-673-1723

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