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Split vote OKs 5-story apartment agreement

Submitted graphicAn artist’s rendering of the proposed exterior of a five-story apartment complex planned by Gaughan Companies for the old city hall site in Forest Lake.
After engaging in a preliminary development agreement with the city last summer, local developer Gaughan Companies presented earlier this month a proposal for a five-story, upper-scale, 101-unit apartment complex, along with a restaurant, to be built on the site of the old city hall at 220 Lake St. N. A split Forest Lake City Council approved a final development agreement with Gaughan on Jan. 23.
Gaughan’s proposal takes advantage of the city’s offer to sell the property for a dollar to the right developer but would also request that the city establish a 14-year tax increment financing district to help pay for the infrastructure improvements that would need to occur in the area before the apartments could be built. If, for some reason, Gaughan does not

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Considering possibilities of the new year

What can we look for in 2017 in the Twin Cities metro area and the state?
Many Minnesotans are on the Donald Trump bandwagon, as evidenced by the surprisingly close vote in the presidential election. Legislators at all levels will try to figure out why Minnesotans are so upset and divided in a state that enjoys a state surplus and low unemployment.broadstreet.zone(48036);
Republicans took over the state House and the Senate, and that portends a contentious 2017 Minnesota legislative session.
A lot will depend on the policies and decisions of the new Trump administration, since certain governmental aids are vital to the state’s interests.
Of critical importance will be the federal aid to health care through the Affordable Care Act. It has provided record health insurance to Minnesotans and more health care by expanding eligibility for Medicaid.
If Obamacare is repealed, which won’t happen overnight, MNsure insurers will not be able to offer tax credits

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Leadership recognized

Submitted photo
School board member Jill Olson received her Leadership Development certificate at the 96th Annual Minnesota School Board Association Recognition Luncheon Jan. 12 in Minneapolis. Attending the 96th annual conference along with Olson were fellow board members Karen Morehead, Julie Corcoran, Jeff Peterson and Gail Theisen. The conference included workshops, roundtable discussions, board trainings and development, and an exhibit hall.

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Early Childhood to sponsor trip to Stages Theatre

Forest Lake Early Childhood will host a trip to Stages Theater in Hopkins via school bus to watch a performance of “Fancy Nancy” on Feb. 9. The cost is $10 per person. Based on the book series by Jane O’Connor, the playful musical promises to “inspire a sparkle or two in your heart.”
From the tip of her sparkly slippers up to the top of her twinkly tiara, Nancy is set for the spotlight in her first dance recital. What she is not prepared for is getting stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Will she be able to find her fancy flair in time to take the stage?
Tickets are limited, so guests are asked to register by Jan. 26. Register online at www.forestlakeschools.org/ce. Everyone must have a ticket, including infants. Arrive at the CLC door 15 by 8:45 a.m. to check in and board the bus to Hopkins. A return time

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