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A $200,000 state-funded effort to remove buckthorn and other invasive woody plants is underway at Innsbruck Nature Center in Fridley, building on volunteer work that began several years ago and launching a multiyear restoration of the 22-acre site. City Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher said during an April 8 guided tour that the larger project grew out of concerns first raised about three years ago by Julie Wellman and Maija and Frank Sedzielarz, who noticed heavy buckthorn growth in the park. ...

The Blaine City Council unanimously approved a cooperative construction agreement with MnDOT for improvements to Trunk Highway 65 at its April 6 meeting. Director of Engineering Daniel Schluender said that the project would reconstruct a portion of Trunk Highway 65 through the heart of Blaine from 93rd Avenue to 121st Ave. The project will also add a frontage road to the west side of Ulysses St, which will be constructed from 99th to 109th Ave. ...

The Blaine City Council rejected a proposed Pulte Homes development near the Lakes neighborhood April 6, with a majority of members saying the project did not fit the city’s long-term vision for the area even as two council members argued that vision no longer matches market realities. The comprehensive plan amendment failed on a 5-2 vote. Council Members Chris Ford and Tom Newland voted in favor. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the developer sought to rezone property at 3700 and 3900 125th Avenue NE from farm residential to development flex. The amendment would have changed the site’s guided land use from planned industrial/commercial and low-density residential to low- to medium-density residential. ...

The Blaine City Council approved financing April 6 for a $15 million parking ramp tied to the 105th Avenue redevelopment project, despite objections from three council members who warned the cost could fall on taxpayers if other revenue sources do not materialize. The 4-3 vote advances a 600-stall ramp city officials said is necessary for the west side of the development. Mayor Tim Sanders and Council Members Jess Robertson, Chris Massoglia and Terra Fleming voted in favor of the property tax abatements. Council Members Tom Newland, Chris Ford and Leslie Larson voted against. On the same 4-3 vote, the Council also approved the sale of bonds for the abatements, subject to conditions tied to ramp construction. ...

The West Oak Grove cemetery, off of Rum River Boulevard. Original Article

TW and the Dustbowl Daisies crowd the stage at Heights Aid at Railwerks on April 4. Original Article

Purgatory Creek performs at Heights Aid on April 4 at Railwerks Brewing. Original Article

These vendor tables could be found to the east side of the stage for performers at Heights Aid. Original Article

Plumstar performs at Heights Aid at Railwerks Brewing on April 4. Original Article

Dean, Mick and Carla perform at Heights Aid at Railwerks Brewing on April 4. Original Article