Blaine approves nonbinding MOU with county to study Blackjack Road realignment

The Blaine City Council on June 9 approved a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with the county to begin an initial study of a potential realignment of Blackjack Road.

The memorandum, introduced as agenda item 25CDash0238, directs an initial traffic study and an intersection design study and calls for coordination with state and federal agencies. A councilmember noted the MOU includes provisions for public comment and for engaging affected landowners on alternatives, compensation and funding at this early stage.

Mayor Jerry described the agreement as nonbinding. "This is a nonbinding agreement," he said during discussion, and several councilmembers emphasized the measure is intended only to start smaller technical studies rather than commit the city to construction or compensation terms.

Councilmembers and several speakers said the study responds to long-standing local concerns about access where Blackjack meets Fourth Street. One councilmember said the current turnoff at Fourth Street is effectively unusable and the study is meant to explore alternatives to improve access to adjacent areas including Chestnuts and other connections.

Members of the public and at least one councilmember raised questions about whether the road work is connected to a nearby park project that is the subject of litigation. A councilmember urged officials to be transparent and engage residents so the public understands what the road study does and does not cover.

The council voted to approve the MOU; no construction, funding commitments or final design decisions are part of the MOU. The city did not provide a timeline for completing the study at the June 9 meeting.