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WHITE BEAR ALUM: Heads up national security PAGE 3A
At last, serious interest in blighted intersection BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — The same developer who built Mahtomedi Flats behind Aldi's is proposing more apartment buildings on the intersection of County Road E and Bellaire Avenue. City staff was approached in March by real estate developer Troy Mathwig, who offered his vision for the four corners of the intersection. The northeast parcel, abandoned for more than 15 years, was purchased by the city in 2016. The other three properties have received little interest from the private sector. Until now. According to City Planner Anne Kane, Mathwig has put all three properties under contract, contingent on city approval for zoning entitlements. He is proposing to redevelop the intersection for mixed use, three-story, multifamily apartments with commercial components on the first floors. “Each corner would have quasi-public use,” Kane told City Council April 24. “The buildings could have a coffee shop, fitness facility, retail space and a management office. One of the buildings would have a rooftop deck to offer spectacular views from the hilltop location.” It's all about high-end amenities for residents, Kane said. At the urging of staff, commercial components were incorporated to attract neighborhood residents and “activate the intersection.” The developer is anxious to know if the city is interested in the four-corner development. Kane indicated he will nix the proposal if the city-owned parcel is not included. “He has indicated he is not interested in doing a three-corner development,” Kane said. “It would lose its synergy.” The investment could be $18 to $20 million for the project; the developer would likely seek TIF (tax increment financing) assistance. “Nothing is ironed out at this point,” noted the city planner. “Right now it's on the back of a napkin.” Mayor Jo Emerson called the proposal “interesting.” Councilman Kevin Edberg said he is interested in pursuing the SEE FOUR CORNERS, PAGE 8A
Lake Links bill gets rare hearing late in session BY DEBRA NEUTKENS EDITOR
ST. PAUL — Like they did before a Senate committee, Lake Links Association members attended an April 25 hearing before the House Capital Investment Committee to drum up support for trail funding. Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL-Maplewood) introduced bill HF4416 on April 16 calling for an appropriation of $8.8 million to construct the 10mile, paved multiuse trail around White Bear Lake. Lake Links co-chair Steve Wolgamot could not attend the hearing, but complimented Kevin Donovan, a board member who stepped in to
testify for Mayor Jo Emerson, who had a family emergency. Wolgamot compared Donovan to Al Newman, a Minnesota Twins team member who played on both the 1987 and 1991 championship teams. “He could step in and fill any role with skill, confidence and flair,” he explained. “Today, Kevin Donovan was our Al Newman.” Wolgamot added that it's unusual to be granted a hearing this late in the process and thanked Lake Links advocates for their “support and good work that have brought us to this point.” The House bill is a companion to SEE HEARING, PAGE 9A
SUBMITTED
White Bear Lake Mayor Jo Emerson testified at a Senate hearing last month advocating for trail legislation. She was joined by Sen. Chuck Wiger and Lily Engebretson.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Snake charming lessons Victoria Sawyer helps Reese Demeny and Addie Mack handle “Doug,” a boa constrictor that was among the reptiles on display at the Snake Discovery booth during the Northeast Metro Expo Sunday, April 29 at White Bear Lake Area High School South Campus. Before visiting with the boa constrictor, the girls performed onstage with other members of the 4th Street Dance Centre during the event that featured displays representing more than 100 area businesses and organizations, entertainment, games and food.
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