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At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council unanimously approved both a preliminary plat and a conditional use permit for the third addition of the North Meadows development at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 109th Avenue. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the proposal covers 18.36 acres and includes one lot and two outlots. The conditional use permit allows for general retail and office space, an animal hospital and restaurants, including two with outdoor dining. The plan also includes a zero-lot-line configuration with shared access and parking on the northern portion of the property. ...

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council approved an order for improvement and authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for a street reconstruction project in the Meadowbrook area. Council Member Jess Robertson cast the lone dissenting vote, objecting to the use of bonding to fund the project. Public Works Director Daniel Schluender said an open house for the project was held Dec. 17, with several property owners in attendance. The project area includes streets in the 126th Avenue and Madison Street neighborhood, connected to 126th Avenue and Jackson Street Northeast. ...

The St. Francis City Council indicated support for reverting to Minnesota’s pre-2023 state flag during its Jan. 6 meeting, following a suggestion from Mayor Mark Vogel. The Minnesota Legislature adopted the current state flag design in 2023 after recommendations from the State Emblems Redesign Commission. The previous flag, last redesigned in 1957, has drawn criticism for its depiction of a Native American riding into the sunset while a white settler plows a field. ...

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. ...

Emergency crews from Andover, Anoka and Coon Rapids responded to reports affecting hundreds of homes and businesses over two nights in late December after residents reported a loud hissing noise and the odor of natural gas, prompting evacuations and a coordinated investigation involving multiple fire departments, law enforcement and utility providers. Officials say no significant gas leaks were found. The initial incident occurred late Sunday, Dec. 28, when Andover firefighters were dispatched at 11:35 p.m. to the 7th Avenue Northwest area following a report of a loud noise and pressure believed to be associated with utility infrastructure. ...

At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Blaine City Council unanimously voted to table for 60 days a conditional use permit amendment that would have expanded Minnesota Performance, an auto repair business, into an adjacent space at 1550 91st Ave. NE. The action followed complaints that the business had removed a wall between units and was storing vehicles and materials outdoors, which neighboring tenants said obstructed access and parking at the site. ...

At its Dec. 22 meeting, the Fridley City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 budget and tax levy, along with the 2026–30 Capital Investment Program. The public hearing for both items was held Dec. 8. Finance Director Joe Starks, in a presentation to the council, said the final tax levy includes a 5.92% increase, resulting in an approximate $139 annual increase in city property taxes for a median-value home. The 2026 budget authorizes $76,084,100 in expenditures and $61,172,700 in revenues. ...

At its Dec. 22 meeting, the Fridley City Council unanimously approved a concept proposal for a new public art sculpture at Commons Park by artist Ken McCall. Fridley launched its public art program in 2024, guided by the then newly formed Public Art Commission, Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher said. Funding for the program is provided through the nonprofit Fridley Creative Arts Foundation, with an additional partnership with the Creative Flow Arts Center. ...

At its Dec. 22 meeting, the Fridley City Council unanimously approved a resolution establishing a new tax increment financing district for the redevelopment of a property on Commerce Lane NE. Community Development Director Paul Bolin said the project would transform the site from a vacant industrial property into a modern warehouse and distribution facility. The property is located between 73rd Avenue and Osborne Road and is zoned heavy industrial. The site was originally developed in 1970 with a 65,000-square-foot building constructed for the Totino’s Frozen Pizza factory. ...

I live in Anoka now. I can now officially announce this fact. Having resided half an hour away from the area I cover with my parents and brother and a pair of dogs, I am making the move along with my partner and her sister. This is obviously, if you can’t tell by my previous writer’s blocks, my first foray into independent adulthood past my profession. This has been a long process involving multiple college graduations, job hirings, job changes and heavy lifting and attempts to figure out how internet connections actually work. As I write, I used coin powered laundry for the first time last night. And, I will actually cook my food regularly, and not just here and there. ...