Open land gives way to growth in bustling Blaine

From sod fields to USA Cups to presidential visits, Blaine has gone through a dramatic personality change.

Some residents miss the quiet simplicity and open scenery. At the same time, people praise the opportunities and services spawned by the growth.

Each year Blaine, the state's fastest-growing city, is adding 800 to 1,000 homes, and about once a month another restaurant brings a new menu to the city, said director of planning Bryan Schafer.

"Since 1997 when we approved the concept plan for the TPC golf course, we've been on a dead run and have not stopped," he said. "It's been one large project after another after another."

There is potential for such growth thanks to acres of sod fields, which because of new technology, can be quickly transformed into billion-dollar developments, Schafer said. In addition, national builders have the resources to churn out a consistent, convenient, practical neighborhood in no time. That master planning, Schafer said, is good for the community.

"It means choices," he said. "There are housing choices for people at different stages of life to move up, trade down, get big, get small, buy or build new."

Along with the range of housing, business, retail, restaurants and entertainment comes a downside of watching buildings pop up on vistas and trees get plowed down for streets.

"Growth in itself is positive, but with that there are always issues you have to deal with, so there are some negative things out there you have to manage," said city manager Ron Wood , citing the loss of scenery and the increase in traffic. "But we believe the growth overall is a very positive thing, and everybody is understanding of the opportunities we have in Blaine because of the growth."

Wood said the city's development has helped the economy with commercial and industrial activity, created jobs, brought more revenue, which allows the city to increase services and lower tax rates, and fostered a variety of activities, recreation and sports.

"We like the environment we work in, and we're proud of all that," Wood said.

Views on Blaine

Here's a look at how some Blaine residents, old and new, feel about the changes.

Jerry Schilling, 27-year resident
"When we built our house it was surrounded by farms, sand and grasshoppers. ... I believe the area being developed is convenient and very handy for us. I don't know when the last time was that I went downtown to do any shopping; when you've got everything close around here, you don't care to go a long way to do everyday-type stuff."

Mike Meyer, 22, Will be a new resident when he moves to Blaine this month.
"My decision was a matter of what you get for what you pay for. I was looking for something in my price range that was also new and something I'd actually be looking to live in for a while."

Karen Osen, 65, 41-year resident
"I think Blaine has done a good job in land management and in the areas being preserved, but it was better without all the development. I liked having it back to nature and seeing deer and fields of trees, but that's progress, I guess."

Doug Fischer, 1.5-year resident
"I'm in a neighborhood where I know my neighbors, and I really enjoy the feeling we have where we live that everybody knows everybody and all the kids hang out together and the neighbors do things together, and that really seals the deal for us."

Addie Booth, 49-year resident
"In the last five years the growth has been just enormous. I think the progress is wonderful. Why shouldn't it be with all the people and the shopping areas? I really enjoy it because I like to go out and associate with people and socialize."

Jeff Dainty, 3-year resident who moved back after living there from birth to age 20.
"My wife and I both grew up around here. We felt it was something good for us when we grew up, and we wanted to bring our son back into the area to experience the same things we did like sporting programs, the community itself and the neighborhood areas."

©2004 Star Tribune

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