Blaine BizConnect - November 2023

Blaine Biz Connect is a monthly e-newsletter to keep you up to date on development happenings in the City of Blaine. From commercial to industrial to residential, Blaine is one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota and always has new and exciting projects on the horizon.

In this newsletter, you will learn about featured developments, groundbreakings, grand openings, new businesses coming to Blaine, and recent approvals by the City Council.

Recent City Council Approvals

• Granted a conditional use permit for minor auto repair with shared access in the B-2 (Community Commercial) Zoning District at 10857 University Ave NE, Valvoline Instant Oil Change
• Granted a conditional use permit for a drive-thru on the southern portion of building two in the RD (105^th Redevelopment District) Zoning District at 2030 105^th Ave NE, Southside Entertainment District
• Approval of a tobacco and tobacco product license for Fleet Farm at 10250 Lexington Ave NE
• Approval of tobacco and tobacco product license for Northside Grocery and Deli at 1578 125^th Ave NE
• Approval of on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor licenses for On the Green, Indoor Golf located at 12571 Central Ave NE
• Granted a rezoning from I-1 (Light Industrial) to I-1A (Light Industrial) at 8888 Xylite Street, Stinson Electric
• Granted a conditional use permit for a zero lot line with shared parking and access in the B-3 (Regional Commercial) Zoning District at 551 87^th Lane NE, Rainbow Village
• Granted a 12-month extension for the preliminary plat to create two outlets and right-of-way dedication for Zest Street extension on the southwest corner of Lexington Ave and 125^th Ave NE, Kempf Property
• Granted a preliminary plat to subdivide one lot into three lots to be known as Blaine Crossing II Addition at 1351 113^th Ave NE, Kraus Anderson

BirdEZ and Tipicos Latinos

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BirdEZ and Tipicos Latinos opened in the Northtown Mall Food Hall. BirdEZ offers a variety of fried chicken options while Tipicos Latinos services a variety of Latin American favorites. You can order for delivery or visit Northtown Mall to try these new restaurants.

Blaine35 Project Wins NAIOP Award of Excellence

Minnesota’s commercial real estate development association, NAIOP Minnesota, awarded Artis Blaine 35W Building A first place in the Light Industrial-High Finishes Category at the 40^th Annual Awards of Excellence. Blaine35 is a 317,000 square foot industrial project that was completed earlier this year. Building A, located at 8611 West 35W Service Drive NE, was the first of three buildings completed as part of this project and is currently home to Caerus Corp and Jonco. Congratulations Artis!

Breaking Ground on a New Chapter in Emergency Preparedness

Construction is officially underway for the new Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in the Pheasant Ridge Business Park. The SEOC serves as the HQ for statewide emergency planning and response activities, ensuring the safety and security of our entire state. It's currently housed in St. Paul, but we are proud to be its new home. This occasion marks a significant step forward in enhancing emergency preparedness and response efforts for the entire State of Minnesota. We look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on the community and the state.

High School Students Tour Blaine Manufacturers

In celebration of Manufacturing Month, the City of Blaine partnered with the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the inaugural Blaine Manufacturing Day on October 30. Blaine Manufacturing Day brought together local high school students, elected officials, and manufacturers to highlight career opportunities in manufacturing. Blaine High School students along with Representatives Nolan West, Matt Norris, and Senator Michael Kruen got a behind the scenes look at Surecast Foundry, Engineered Materials, Turfco, and Crown Iron Works in Blaine to learn more about their manufacturing process and career opportunities within each of these companies.

Blaine Manufacturing Day would not have been possible without help from a lot of local partners. In addition to the four Blaine manufacturers who opened their facilities for these tours, transportation funding for Blaine Manufacturing Day was provided by the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Jersey Mike’s in Blaine and Sam’s Club in Fridley provided lunch for the students. Voigts provided safe and reliable transportation for the students from Blaine High School to each of the manufacturers. Finally, Blaine High School and the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce helped organize and execute a successful Blaine Manufacturing Day. The City of Blaine would like to extend its gratitude to all involved.

Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) new Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) offers a way for small to mid-sized Minnesota employers to request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. The ERAF's purpose is to encourage employment of people with disabilities by reducing any perceived or real financial barriers. In addition to processing reimbursements, the ERAF Coordinator is available for technical assistance and consultation regarding accommodations at no cost to employers.

For questions, comments, assistance with the application, or requests for technical assistance/consultation, please contact  Eraf.deed@state.mn.us.