Blaine BizConnect - January 2022Blaine 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.
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Recent City Council ApprovalsThe Blaine City Council granted a conditional use permit to allow for the construction of a Wings Financial, 4,336 square foot building with an attached 875 square foot canopy at 370 125th Avenue NE.
The City Council also granted final plat approval to subdivide a half acre parcel into two single family lots to be known as Lund Estates Second Addition at Pierce Court south of 117th Avenue NE.
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City Council Approves Changes to Food Truck Ordinance In November, the Blaine City Council amended the city ordinance regarding the operation of licensed food trucks within city limits. PJ’s Grill Food Truck described the new ordinance as "One of the most favorable food truck ordinances in the state." The new regulations define a set of allowed activities in which food trucks are allowed to operate. Allowable activities include: - A private party or event located at a city park, provided the renter of the park initiates the request for a food truck.
- A City sponsored event located at a city park or other City owned property.
- A school sponsored event located on school district property.
- A private event, on private property, such as a customer appreciation, employee event, grand opening, birthday party, graduation, etc. Consent of the private property owner must be obtained.
- At the National Sports Center in conjunction with an event hosted at the National Sports Center.
- At Northtown Mall, as part of a food truck-oriented event.
- A special event as defined under Chapter 70 of the city code.
Food trucks do need to be appropriately licensed and registered according to state and county regulations. In addition, truck operators are required to register with the City of Blaine through the City Clerk’s office. Registration would allow a food truck operator to conduct business in the City through December 31 of the year in which registration is provided. There is no fee for food truck operators to register with the city. The new ordinance went into effect on Wednesday, December 15.
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City of Blaine Business Financial AssistanceThe City of Blaine has two programs to help local businesses make updates and improvements to their space, the Fire Suppression Grant and the Small Business Loan Program.
Fire Suppression Grant Commercial and industrial businesses that are required to make fire suppression improvements to conform to the fire code caused by change of use, expansion, or remodel may be eligible for financial assistance in the form of a matching grant up to $25,000. Applicants will be required to pay all costs upfront. The City distributes grant funds upon completion of the project, final inspection, and issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Businesses must provide actual invoices as evidence of project costs.
Small Business Loan The City, in partnership with the Central Minnesota Development Company (CMDC) offers a small business loan program to small business owners who are improving an existing building and/or redeveloping a commercial or industrial property. In general, projects will increase the tax base, improve blighted properties, increase employment, and bring properties into conformance with existing city and state codes.
If your business is interested in one of these programs, please reach out to Ruth Tucker, Economic Development Specialist at 763-717-2778 or rtucker@blainemn.gov.
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Recent Business Openings As we welcome 2022, we welcome these new businesses!
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Take 5 Oil ChangeTake 5 has been doing oil changes for over 35 years and has grown the drive-thru style oil change to half the country. Check out Take 5 Oil Change at 12403 Ulysses Street NE. you can also visit their website: take5oilchange.com
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Badwolf Adventure StudiosBadwolf Adventure Studios is the place for Dungeons and Dragons and Tabletop Gaming. Featuring on-site D&D sessions, tabletop gaming supplies, paint, 3D printing services, and more. Located at 1523 94th Lane NE or visit their website: badwolfadventurestudios.com
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Blue Collar BBQBlue Collar BBQ takes pride in serving award winning ribs, brisket, and pulled pork along with homemade comfort sides all done by hand. Visit Blue Collar BBQ at 3453 Lake Drive or visit their website: bluecollarbarbeque.com
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Nice-N-Fit NutritionOffering healthy and energizing fast food. Nice-N-Fit Nutrition is excited to serve you healthy shakes, delicious teas, and iced protein coffee! Located at 10731 University Avenue NE, Suite 220. You can also check out their Facebook page: facebook.com/nicenfitnutrition
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PetSuitesPetSuites offers pet boarding, daycare, grooming, and training facilities committed to providing exceptional service to all pet parents. PetSuites is located at 9983 Ulysses Street NE. You can also check out their website: blaine.petsuitesofamerica.com
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