Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Blaine council extends conditional use permit for 48‑unit apartment project one year
Summary
By voice vote the council extended a conditional use permit for a 48‑unit apartment at 11190 Ninth Avenue until May 6, 2026; council members debated precedent and housing policy before approving the one‑year extension.
The Blaine City Council voted March 3 to extend a conditional use permit (CUP) for a proposed 48‑unit apartment building at 11190 Ninth Avenue for one year, moving the CUP’s expiry to May 6, 2026.
City Planner Salman told the council the CUP was originally approved May 6, 2024, and city code requires a CUP to commence within one year of approval; the applicant requested the extension while pursuing funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Anoka County. Planner Salman said the agency application is due in July with awards announced in December.
Council debate was split. Council Member Mesolia said she would vote no and reiterated long‑standing opposition to this project and to additional high‑density housing at the site. Council Member Newland and Council Member Robertson supported the extension, citing precedent and the city’s past practice of granting extensions when funding or regulatory timing delayed projects. Council Member Larson said she would again vote no, citing constituent concerns about traffic and school proximity. Council Member Ford spoke in favor of housing opportunities and noted his personal support for affordable housing.
A motion to extend the CUP by one year was moved and seconded and passed on a voice vote. Planner Salman said all conditions of the original CUP remain in effect and cannot be changed by the extension.
