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The Andover City Council on March 3 unanimously approved the vacation of drainage and utility easements and the final plat for the next phase of the Fields of Winslow Cove development. The approvals affect Outlots E and F in the development’s first addition. Community Development Director Joe Janish said the outlots were originally established with blanket drainage and utility easements to allow utilities and drainage across the property during earlier phases of development. ...

The Andover City Council on March 3 provided an update on the Alternative Urban Areawide Review for the proposed Fields of Andover development. The project, planned on just over 800 acres, could include either 80 or 1,545 housing units and about 30 acres of commercial development, according to previous reports. Community Development Director Joe Janish told the council the Alternative Urban Areawide Review environmental process is allowed under state statute when certain criteria are met. For the Fields project, the review was initiated by the developer. ...

The Blaine City Council on March 2 unanimously approved submitting a grant application to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for funding to build two segments of the Wetland Sanctuary Trail. Director of Engineering Daniel Schluender said staff first brought the trail project to the council in late 2025, when members discussed options to finance the first two segments. Since then, staff have reviewed grant opportunities to help fund the work. ...

The Blaine City Council on March 2 took the first step toward banning detached accessory dwelling units, advancing an ordinance amendment that would remove them from city zoning code. According to Community Development Director Sheila Sellman, the city approved a moratorium on accessory dwelling units, often called ADUs, in June 2025 while staff reviewed the regulations and intent behind them. The council discussed the issue at workshops June 16, 2025, and Jan. 5, 2026, when members directed staff to remove detached units from city code. ...

The Blaine City Council on March 2 advanced several routine items, including approval of a new bank project, a proposed land sale tied to Highway 65 improvements and a change to city code on hazardous tree enforcement. The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a new Magnifi Financial bank at 10903 Austin St. NE. Community Development Director Sheila Sellman said the permit allows construction of a building with a zero lot line along the north property line. The site is zoned development flex and is surrounded by similarly zoned parcels to the north, east and west, with the North Meadows development to the south in a planned business district. ...

The Blaine City Council voted 4-3 to advance a $7 million parking structure for the 105th development, approving a funding plan that relies on the Economic Development Authority levy. The split vote centered on funding, as money for the structure would come from the Economic Development Authority levy. In the past, the council has operated under a goal of avoiding taxpayer impact for the development. The 4-3 decision centers on financing, as the project would be funded through the Economic Development Authority levy. Council members have previously pledged to avoid taxpayer impact related to the development. ...

The Minnesota Special Olympics held its annual Anoka County Polar Plunge at Lakeside Commons Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. In cloudy conditions and temperatures in the 20s, many members of the community, as well as organizations such as school lacrosse teams and fitness gyms, braved the icy depths of Sunrise Lake to raise money for the Minnesota Special Olympics. Original Article

Estee Lauder announces layoff of 68 employees at Blaine Aveda facility Estee Lauder Companies, the owner of the brand Aveda, announced the layoff of 68 employees at their facility in Blaine at Pheasant Ridge Drive. The layoffs will start with a two-week period on April 24. The layoffs are expected to be permanent, according to a letter notifying the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The affected employees are not represented by a union, the letter states, nor do they have bumping rights. The affected jobs are scattered around Warehouse, Distribution and Processing roles. ...

The Fridley City Council has issued a statement criticizing recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city, saying federal actions moved forward without local input or authority during what officials described as a surge in enforcement under Operation Metro Surge. In the statement, the council said the level of immigration enforcement created challenges beyond the city’s control and pledged to advocate to state and federal leaders to prevent similar disruptions in the future. ...

The Oak Grove City Council approved a $92,848 change order for the new City Hall and fire station Feb. 23 to meet Minnesota requirements, but not without criticism over the cost and the number of project revisions brought forward. City Engineer Chuck Schwartz said the changes were needed to comply with state law. The order includes modifications to water filtration, installation of a corrugated metal pipe beneath the concrete driveway serving the fire station and the addition of a hydrant on the south side of the driveway. ...