Blaine’s City Council unanimously approved a series of parking abatement assistance agreements for the 105th Avenue redevelopment district at its April 6 meeting, advancing the contract framework for the broader project.
City Manager Erik Thorvig said the agreements cover the east and west parking ramps, the stadium and retail development, including Scheels, and set terms for construction, disbursement of bond proceeds and repayment sources.
He said the east ramp would include about 800 stalls and the west ramp about 600. The retail agreement also requires the user to place $10 million in escrow before construction begins and maintain that amount throughout the project to help guarantee completion.
Thorvig said the master development agreement, originally executed Nov. 12, 2024, also needed updates to reflect completed work, revised dates, financing components and other uses in the district.
Council Member Chris Ford, who had previously opposed funding for the west parking ramp, said he still did not support that portion of the project.
“I support the project, but I still don’t support the west parking ramp,” Ford said.
City Attorney Eric Larson said the vote was not specifically on the west ramp, but on how all of the development agreements work together contractually.
Council Member Tom Newland said he supported the overall concept even if he did not agree with every component.