At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council approved a project for reconstruction and improvements in the Quincy Street area on a 6-1 vote. Council Member Jess Robertson cast the lone dissenting vote, citing opposition to using bonding to fund the project.
Public Works Director Daniel Schluender said the city conducted pavement condition indexing three years ago and developed a long-term plan aimed at improving pavement integrity throughout the community. Streets rated in the worst condition were placed into the city’s five-year capital improvement program.
The Quincy Street area project, scheduled for 2026, includes 106th Avenue and Quincy Boulevard, along with the surrounding neighborhood. An open house for property owners was held Dec. 16, with several residents in attendance.
Schluender said the project area consists of rural-section streets without curb and gutter and surfaced entirely with bituminous pavement. The project calls for full reconstruction, including complete replacement of the pavement and the addition of concrete curb and gutter to improve drainage.
The proposed improvements are estimated to cost approximately $4.7 million. Of that total, about $1 million would be assessed to benefiting properties over a 15-year period, consistent with the city’s assessment policy, Schluender said.
Additional improvements include sanitary sewer castings and rings, as well as water system gate valves. Those improvements are estimated to cost $745,000 and would be funded through the city’s public utility enterprise funds. The remaining $3 million would be paid through the city’s Pavement Management Program, which is funded through bonding.
Lynn Basham, who said she lives on Monroe Drive near the intersection of Madison and Monroe, said simultaneous construction on multiple streets would leave her unable to leave her home.
“I walk with a cane. I also have problems with paying the whole thing, because right now I’m getting my insurance from Anoka County,” Basham said. “There has to be a way that somebody can come get me out of there.”
Basham said even walking on the grass would require traveling several side streets. She also noted a daycare center across the street that relies on daily vehicle access for parents and children, which she said would be difficult under the proposed construction plan.
Basham added that some streets included in the project appeared to be in better condition than others, particularly a north-south street she described as especially rocky.
Another resident who attended the December open house asked whether the project would be completed in two stages. Schluender said the project would occur within one overall time frame, but construction would be phased to limit how much of the area is closed at any one time.
Schluender also clarified that the city’s assessment policy calls for 25% to 35% of project costs to be paid by benefiting parcels, with reductions applied to corner lots and certain parcels. He confirmed that enterprise funds are reserved for sewer and water improvements.
When asked about hardship options, Mayor Tim Sanders said the city follows hardship provisions outlined in state statute.
Robertson said she has long opposed the city’s reliance on bonding to fund road projects, noting that while assessments have a role, she does not support bonding as a funding mechanism.
“This is a conversation that we’ve had many times over the last few years,” Robertson said. “I want your streets to be wonderful and beautiful, and I appreciate that some of you are excited for said improvements.”
On the same 6-1 line, the Council approved a proposal from Bolton and Menk for design and construction, in the amount of $450,000-brought to a total of $495,000 through a 10% contingency fee, per Schluender.