Frequently Asked Questions

What is your stance on the homelessness is Anoka and how would you resolve this?

My stance ties with the safety of all citizens. Our police department is accountable for handling this situation. As we attempt to enjoy our city streets, parks and trails, no one should fear for their safety. Children are influenced by adult behaviors and adults are influenced by the city standards. My solution is to: a.) work with the Anoka police department and the Anoka city manager to create best practices by them in the city. This hasn’t been much of a problem until the very recent year. b.) work with the county commissioner to determine what is available to the city from our county. c.) a social worker will not solve this situation, however that person should work for and with the police department to establish best practices.

What would you suggest be done with 7th and Bunker Lake blvd. land owned by the city?

Great question, as the nearby homeowners should have a LOUD voice on this subject. As a member of the EDC in Anoka, this subject has been dicussed many times. The desire to put another liquor store/strip mall on the site is desired by the city as is the completion of the road from 7th ave. into “nothing.” The road is desired finished by a developer running from the current stoplight to the Anoka Library. The strip center built to the south toward 7th avenue.

A Lunds & Byerlys grocery store would be appropriate as would a Trader Joe’s as mentioned by one resident. Remember, the city cannot allow a merchant into the city that desires to sell liqour and this has pushed many options away. I believe upscale merchants catering to the residents living nearby and drawing potential shoppers to the location is a good use of the strip mall concept.

Another option I haven’t heard before was to place a 55 and older patio home community on that corner! I agree as we have a need for specialized housing for our aging residents. There would still be space for the strip mall and modified roadway. I like it and plan to share at our next EDC meeting.

Whatever buyer/decision is made the protection of the residents of Rum River Shores is of utmost importance to me.

What is the status of the proposed jail?

My understanding is that the jail parking structure is in litigation as is the closure of Van Buren street. We are in litigation 2x. Due to these, the proposed jail is on hold as well. The jail has been a spotlight in DTA, however my opinion, the proposal is much more than is needed. Now that Wells Fargo is closing across the street from the court house, the concept may change as well. Time will tell how and if the jail proposal moves forward.

Another question was asked about the rum river dam and proposed $55 million enhancements. I made a reel about this and will load that on another page on my website. The simple city request was to replace the boards that regulate the dams flow of water, as they were outdated, needing repair and a danger to city staff to adjust. This request was joined with the need for a lock system to allow boats to move up and down the rum river. Then came a proposal to add a river wave park and fish channel as well. All looked fabulous and the proposed budget was explained. $55million! Wow! When would anoka residents see a profit on this taxed expenditure? Could we gain grants to help pay for this from the county, DNR or state? Twist: $6.1 million is provided by the county through a deal arranged by Zach Stephenson and mayor Erik Skogquist. Their desires seemed appropriate to the cities need for the dam, but this money was allocated for a walkway over the dam to connect both trails on the east and west side of the rum river and only available if the plan for a $55 million park proceeds! Now that situation is in litigation between the county and the state. Did Anoka receive the funds? Supposedly yes, but I haven’t seen them show up in any financial documents provided by the city. Another mess created by the current city council and a resolution is in the court system.

Your ideas are welcomed! Please email:

joellealvord@gmail.com

My focus is Of, By and For the people!!!

“It’s All About Anoke!”