After hearing, downtown plan gets go-ahead

The downtown utility, street and streetscape reconstruction project will proceed.

Following a public hearing Monday, the Brainerd City Council in two motions unanimously approved the estimated $2.5 million project for Laurel Street from South Sixth to South Eighth streets, Front Street from South Sixth to South Eighth streets and South Seventh Street from Maple to Front streets.

Water, sewer and storm sewer replacement is expected to cost about $760,000 and will be paid for from city utility funds. Street and streetscape improvements are expected to cost about $1.8 million and be paid for with assessments, with affected property owners picking up 30 percent of that cost - $545,340 - and all other city taxpayers paying 70 percent - $1,272,460. Those costs could be reduced if the city council decides against certain streetscape amenities.

During the public hearing, several property owners spoke in favor of a project, though a few were concerned with the scope and cost.

Randy Moores was upset his rear parking lot was being fully assessed though it wouldn't be receiving a full benefit. He also said he would like to see the project delayed a year.

"I'm a little worried about the economy and going through with a big project right now," Moores said.

While in favor of the project, Nila Patrick thought the $796,800 in proposed streetscape amenities should be reduced. She also believed surrounding blocks should be assessed.

"I feel like it's got out of control for the amount of spending," Patrick said. "If you don't have a business downtown you don't realize how tough it is downtown."

Ed Menk said the emotion should be taken out of the discussion. He said the assessments for downtown property owners would average about 32 cents per square foot a year over 10 years, which would not put downtown rental rates above the rest of the city.

Menk said the project would enhance the possibilities of doing business in downtown.

Rhonda Smith also supported the project, from utility reconstruction to the installation of streetscape items.

"I'd like see the program go forward as it stands," Smith said. "If it gets to point of cutting off beautification items, what will we have actually gained from this process?"

Council president Kelly Bevans agreed. He said streetscape items needed to be included in the project.

He suggested the city should go forward with bids to see how much the project actually will cost.

Council member Mark O'Day also said the city should see where the bids come in at, which he believed could be lower than anticipated.

Council member Kevin Goedker was absent from Monday's meeting and council member Bob Olson, as a downtown property owner affected by the project, abstained from voting.

Though not voting, Olson said he would be in favor of utility reconstruction but opposed to streetscape items. Instead, Olson suggested creating a central park in the Brainerd City Hall parking lot.

Council member Bonnie Cumberland said suggesting different ideas for downtown after all the work done by the Main Street Advisory Committee was about 14 months too late.

"I understand the need to cut back but I think we need to move forward on this," Cumberland said.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.