Town briefs
February 20, 2008 at 12:00AM
Most support open space for city land At a December public meeting to discuss redevelopment of the former City Hall property at County Road 96 and Hamline Avenue, most residents in attendance supported using the land as a nature center or open space. That idea was supported by all four resident groups sharing opinions on the subject. Other popular ideas were senior housing or mixed-use neighborhood retail such as a bakery, bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant or theater. Building higher density housing there was among the least popular ideas. The city is gathering resident input as it puts together a request for proposal to use as a guideline for potential development. The city expects to complete the proposal in May or June.
BROOKLYN PARK
Open house at city's activity center The city is holding its first community open house and health fair from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event will be held at the Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Av. N. There will be free ice skating and information on renting the building for events. Businesses will give presentations on healthy lifestyles, and there will be games and activities for kids.
The city's Recreation and Parks Department is also offering free fitness classes the week of March 3-7. Classes range from Jazzercise to tai chi and spicy salsa aerobics. For more information, contact Pat Busch at 763-493-8254.
MOUNDS VIEW
City staff member named administrator The City Council has selected its community development director, Jim Ericson, to step into a new role as the city administrator. Ericson has tentatively accepted the position. The city hopes to finalize a contract by Monday, said assistant city administrator Desaree Crane. The job's salary range is about $83,000 to $104,000.
Other finalists for the job were Todd Bodem, who has been a city administrator in Jordan and Belle Plaine, Minn., and Craig Dawson, the city administrator in Shorewood.
Residents asked to comment on future of Greenfield Park The city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission is accepting ideas about the future of Greenfield Park through Friday. Among the options being considered: eliminating a trail and letting the park revert to a more natural state; keeping the trail with little maintenance; upgrading the trail and putting more money into maintenance, or creating a large pond. A proposal to create a disc golf course there was opposed by a small group of neighbors at a recent meeting. To voice your opinion, see the city's website at www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us and fill out a feedback form.
ANOKA COUNTY
Function will benefit shelter for women The fifth-annual Alexandra House Hope Gala, a benefit for Anoka County's only battered women's shelter, will be held Saturday, March 8, at the Tournament Players Club in Blaine.
The event raises money to support efforts to curb domestic violence.
The evening includes silent and live auctions and a gourmet meal and wine. For tickets, at $100 per person, call 763-780-2332. Interested sponsors should contact David Wheeler at 763-656-1363 or dwheeler@ alexandrahouse.org.
Forum will address cancer recovery Cancer rehabilitation experts will lead a free community forum, "Lymphedema and Cancer Rehabilitation," at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Unity Hospital in Fridley.
Dr. Nancy Hutchinson, a physical medicine specialist, and physical therapist Carmela Claypool will lead the discussion. Preventing, recognizing and treating lymphedema, often-painful swelling in the area of the lymph nodes, will be discussed. Topics will include other side effects of cancer or cancer treatment, such as pain control, bladder and bowel management, and weakness.
The forum will be held in the auditorium of the hospital, at 550 Osborne Road. Space is limited. Register by calling 763-236-4040.
ERIC M. HANSON AND LORA PABST
about the writer
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