HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 06-09 Blaine survey shows support for building a community center STAR TRIBUNE NORTH METRO
Blaine survey shows support for building
a community center
The city has debated building one for years.The survey done for a
task force also found 19 percent opposed and 24 percent unsure.
By Shannon Prather(http://www.startribune.com/shannon-prather/188067161/)StarTribune
JUNE 9,2015—3:OOPM
Blaine survey shows support for building a community center - StarTr
A 57 percent majority of Blaine residents support the construction of a commuruty
center,and if one is built,more than nuie in 10 people said they would use it,according
to a recently completed survey,
Slightly fewer than one in five residents said they opposed a center,while the rest said
they didn't lmow.
The results came from a mail survey conducted this spring for the Blaine Community li
Center Task Force as the city revisits an issue that has simmered on and off for years. I
The findings demonstrated"strong support in the community"for additional indoor
programs and activities.said Todd Olson,task force chaiiman."The survey showed
there is not just a need,but support for it." �
Olson said the task force will now pore through the findings to figure out exactly what
features residents would want and support and how much they'd be willing to pay. �I
I
City leaders have looked at the idea of building a community center for nearly two
decades,including a failed referendum in 1998.The city has grown sharply since then,
from a population of about 45,000 to an estimated 62,000 last year.
A 2012 resident survey found that while Gl percent said they would support Blaine I
buiiding a community center,nearly as many opposed the use of property tax dollars to �
pay for it.This time around,55 percent of respondents said some increase in property �
taaces would be reasonable to them.Most of these people identified amounts between �
$15 and$50 per year as the maximum reasonable increase.
The City CouncIl authorized formation of the community center task force last year.
Mayor Tom Ryan said he wanted a group of residents a bit removed from city hall to
study the issue and eventually bring its findings and recommendations to the council.
The task force is made up of 18 people with opuuons ranging from strong supporter to
skeptic,Olson said.
The city hired ANA Research of Arden Hills to conduct the survey.Questionnaires were �
mailed to 1,000 households and slightly fewer than 400 were returned,Olson said.
The survey found support for a community center was strongest among people who had
lived in the city for less than 10 years(although a slight majority of those who'd been
there a decade or longer supported it),and among households with children.
Residents were also asked to weigh in on amenities.They rated"recreation components"
—such as paths connecting to trails,an indoor track,a pool and multipurpose
gymnasium—as the features most likely to be used and to provide some benefit to
Blaine.That was followed by"community space/programs,"Like continuing education
classes,prograznming for youth/teens and a multipurpose meeting area.
Olson,a father of four,said he backs construction of a community center.He said he
and many other parents have to leave the city so their children's sports teams can find �
practice time.He said a well-thought-out center also would serve adults,seniors and
community groups.
"It can give us a sense of community,"he said."Having amenities is good to retain and
attract residents."
In 2014,city staff researched nearby community centers in New Brighton,Maplewood,
Maple Grove,Shoreview and Andover.None of the five is self-sufficient.All of the cities
built them with the understanding that the general fund would subsidize them,much
like public parks and golf courses.Annual subsidies ranged from a high of$598,000 in
Maple Grove for 2013 to a low of$125,158 in Andover.
Shannon.Prather@startribune.com 612-673-4804 stribshannon