A developer's effort to build Minneapolis' first Trader Joe's fell short Thursday when a key city panel voted against changing zoning for the project in the Lyn-Lake area.
The decision, which is likely to be ratified by the full City Council, effectively kills plans to build the grocery and liquor store at 27th Street and Lyndale Avenue S. It's the second time in three years Trader Joe's has tried unsuccessfully to locate on busy Lyndale Avenue.
City planning staff had recommended approving the rezoning, but the City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee denied it on a unanimous voice vote.
The higher-grade commercial zoning was necessary because of the project's size, as well as its plan to sell beer and wine.
"This is not about Trader Joe's. This is about a zoning change. Period," said Council Member Meg Tuthill, who represents the surrounding area.
Tuthill opposed rezoning because it was intended for "one entity and one entity only."
"That totally goes against my grain," Tuthill said. "I personally consider that spot rezoning. I don't think it's healthy."
Prior to the vote, senior city planner Becca Farrar said at Thursday's meeting that rezoning is often in the interest of the property owner, but in this case it would also be in the "public interest" because this use is supported in commercial corridors.