Business Update Winter 2014

BU SINESS NAME
COON RAPIDS
BUSINESS UPDATE
Park and Trail
Improvements Planned in
Coon Rapids
Road Construction Update
The City of Coon Rapids and Anoka County are planning several road construction projects for the 2014
construction season:
University Avenue will be reconstructed and expanded from Northdale Boulevard to Main Street.
Foley Boulevard will be reconstructed and expanded from 101st Avenue to Egret Boulevard.
Round Lake Boulevard will be reconstructed from Main Street to Coon Rapids Boulevard.
Intersection and traffic signal improvements are planned at Northdale Boulevard and Crooked
Lake Boulevard.
Intersection and traffic signal improvements are planned at Coon Rapids Boulevard and
Springrook Drive.
Over 8 miles of residential streets in Coon Rapids will be reconstructed.
Voters in Coon Rapids approved a $17.4 million park bond
last fall. Taxpayers will begin to pay for the levy referendum
as part of their taxes payable in 2014. The parks and trails
improvement plan involves repairs, complete reconstruction,
upgrades and enhancements to several parks and trails
throughout the city. The parks that will be renovated as part
of this plan include: Sand Creek Park, Crooked Lake Park,
Pheasant Ridge Park, Riverview Park, Lions Coon Creek Park,
Woodcrest Park, Delta Park, Mason Park, Riverwind Park and
a new park which will be added named Boulevard Park. The
city’s trail system will also be completed and accounts for
35% of the total project cost. Trail connections will be
completed within the Coon Creek Regional Trail, Sand Creek
Linkage Trail, 85th Avenue Trail connection to Kennedy Park,
Mississippi Regional Trail, Middle Linkage Trail, Northern
Linkage Trail as well as other select trail gaps. Construction of
the new parks and trails will occur over the next six to eight
years. The reconstruction of Riverview Park and completion
of the 85th Avenue Trail connection is expected to start in
2014.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Open to Business Program
2
Coon Rapids Civic Center Facilities
2
Coon Rapids Business Loan Fund
3
Foley Transit Station Planning
3
Major Building Projects
3
Road Construction Update
4
CITY SERVICE DIRECTORY
Police and Fire: 911
Assessing: (763)767-6446
Building Inspections: (763)767-6476
Bunker Hills Golf Club: (763)755-4141
CTN Studios: (763)767-6525
City Hall: (763)755-2880
Coon Rapids Ice Center: (763)951-7222
City Hall Fax: (763)767-6491
Economic Development: (763)767-6430
Fire Administration: (763)767-6429
Planning and Zoning: (763)767-6430
Police Administration: (763)767-6481
Public Works: (763)767-6462
Senior Services: (763)767-6473
Utility Billing: (763)767-6438
Questions or comments may be directed
to (763)767-6430 or
econdev@coonrapidsmn.gov
Sign up for City e-newsletters at
www.coonrapidsmn.gov
Community strength… for generations
C OON R APIDS B USINESS UPDATE
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Open to Business Program Provides Free
Business Consultations
Coon Rapids Loan Fund Provides Financing
Options for Local Businesses
Are you a current or prospective Coon Rapids business
owner looking for advice? The City of Coon Rapids offers a
FREE program to help business owners or those looking to
start a business. “Open to Business” provides prospective
and existing entrepreneurs in Coon Rapids with one-onone counseling advice from a business advisor. This
opportunity can help business owners with planning and
organizing their business ideas, financial management,
marketing, regulatory compliance and leasing or
purchasing property. Rob Smolund, Business Advisor,
holds office hours at city hall once per month for appointments the third Tuesday of each month from
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Interested entrepreneurs can also schedule appointments at other times by calling Rob
Smolund at 612-789-7337, ext. 260. Examples of how Open to Business has helped businesses and
residents in Coon Rapids include:
A partnership between the City of Coon Rapids and the Central Minnesota
Development Company (CMDC) offers financing options for projects that
help achieve city development goals. Funded by the City of Coon Rapids, the
Coon Rapids loan fund is administered by CMDC and is designed to leverage
other private financing. Loan proceeds can be used for fixed assets,
including land, building, machinery, and equipment (no working capital).
Minimum loan amount of $25,000 and maximum loan amount of $200,000
available with certain exceptions and interest rates will be determined by
market conditions at loan closing. For more information, contact Mike
Mulrooney at CMDC at 763-784-3337.
A Coon Rapids resident received consulting advice that helped her open a beauty salon with a
$1,000 micro grant.
A commercial property owner learned about better options for utilizing his property.
A retail food store owner received help to enhance his merchandising and window displays.
A Coon Rapids resident received guidance to help evaluate a business purchase.
If you have questions about the Open to Business Program in Coon Rapids, please call Rob
Smolund at 612-789-7337, ext. 260 or email info@opentobusinessmn.org. More information
about this program can also be found online at www.opentobusinessmn.org.
Reserve Meeting Space at the Coon Rapids
Civic Center
The Coon Rapids Civic Center Training Facility and Conference Room
provide affordable options for today’s business needs.
Training Room:
Seating for up to 60
White-board
Drop-down screen
Seating and tables can be
arranged to suit your needs
Conference Room:
Seats 12 comfortably
White-board
Foley Boulevard Transit Station Planning
The City of Coon Rapids has hired Hoisington Koegler Group to conduct a planning process to determine
future infrastructure needs and land uses in the vicinity of the Foley Boulevard Park-and-Ride near
Highway 610. This planning project will help the City prepare for future infrastructure investments that
are planned in the area, including the Northern Lights Express high speed rail, future commuter rail
service, and possible major road improvements. The planning project is funded by a $40,000 grant from
the Metropolitan Council. The goal of the grant program is to catalyze development around transit
stations. Additional information will be available as the planning work moves forward. Additional
study information is available online at www.foleyblvdstation.com.
Major Building Projects
Major building projects in Coon Rapids include:
A skyway has been constructed over Coon Rapids Boulevard, connecting Mercy Hospital to the
new Mercy/Allina Medical Office Building.
This new 120,000 square foot facility will open
this spring and will feature a variety of medical
services and specialists.
FIVE GUYS Burgers and Fries has opened at 12475 Riverdale Boulevard, in the former location of
the Green Mill.
COON RAPIDS CIVIC CENTER
11155 ROBINSON DR.
(763) 767-6522
CivicCenter@coonrapidsmn.gov
www.CoonRapidsCivicCenter.com
Panera Bread will move this spring from its current location at 12465 Riverdale Boulevard to the
corner of Round Lake and Main Street, on the site of the former Sterling Bank building.
Autumn Glen Senior Living is under construction near the intersection of Round Lake and Coon
Rapids Boulevards, in the former location of Frank’s Nursery & Crafts. The new 100-unit facility will
feature a mix of independent living, assisted living and memory care units.
Simonson’s Salon & Day Spa will be relocating from its current Anoka location on Round Lake
Boulevard to 3490 Northdale Boulevard in Coon Rapids, in the former location of the Canyon Grill.