Less-Than-Credible Car Show

4-11-08 Anoka UnionRiver Town Community Partnership (RTCP) member Tom Durkin defended executive director Mimi Doran's salary + commissions from the Car Show.

What Tom Durkin failed to disclose was that Mimi Doran is also his wife.  Her salary + commissions benefit his personal household budget.

It's this lack of transparency that diminishes this group's credibility.

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In Mimi Doran's letter to the editor 8-08-08 she casts herself in the role of a benevolent public servant, somehow victimized by vicious politics that she "certainly wasn't privy to 3 1/2 years ago".

But 3 1/2 years ago  (3-16-05) there was a Tribune Metro North article about Anoka's dysfunctional politics. The article described politics in Anoka as having "undercurrent's of personal agendas, contention and resistance to change."

People were beginning to notice Skogquist was systematically loading advisory boards with new and non-residents, replacing anyone who disagreed with him with Bjornites.

The Tribune article was about Skogquist's visioning meetings.  The first two were secret, invitation-only.

The third was described:  "The meeting itself was tense and combative."  Half the people walked out before it was over. The Tribune reported:  "Mimi Doran attended all the meetings so far."

So Doran was not only very much privy, but she was actively participating in Anoka's politics 3 1/2 years ago.

What Mimi Doran is not is a credible spokesperson for a "pending non-profit".

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So RTCP and the Car Show are run by local politicos:  Bjorn and Erik Skogquist, Andrew Boho and Aaron Barr.  And  less-than-credible spokespeople Mimi Doran, Tom Durkin and Mark Peterson.

(Bjornite Mark Peterson is the new resident- 2001. Durkins are non-residents.)

Linea Kirchner

Comment   Concerns have been raised about city assets used for private profit.  Level playing fields have been mentioned.

How many downtown Anoka business owners wouldn't prefer volunteers to paid staff. No storefront rent and expenses, no inventory - just the free streets of Anoka.  Hours on Saturday and only 18 weeks out of 52.  Salary $32,207. + commissions.

Mimi Doran referred to this income as developing a little economy for herself for the work put into her volunteer efforts.

Anoka Car Show: Non-Profit or Political Action Group?

Anoka has a Car Show - Anoka River Run. It is operated by RTCP "River Town Community Partnership" .

Recently this operation has come under a cloud of corruption and fraud.  There is a serious lack of public trust.  There are no checks and balances. They charge fees and collect donations. They use city streets for 18 weeks each year.  There is the feeling that it is an unregulated cash cow.   Much like Windego Park Society. 

We need factual information.  We need full disclosure.

The Car Show was run as a business at first. RTCP took it over, claims it is now a "non-profit". But official status is still pending after three years. If anyone has deducted a donation, are they guilty of filing a fraudulent tax return?

Mayor Bjorn Skogquist and Mayor candidate Erik Skogquist both take credit for the Car Show in their campaign material.

Aaron Barr is the current RTCP president.  Barr was the neighborhood organizing force behind the HRA loss of $200,000 to correct blight on his neighbor's house, 302 Fremont (Barr said his property values were being affected). Barr also wants to be on the City Council and partners with the Skogquist's to that end.

Andrew Boho is another RTCP player as treasurer.  Boho is also a Skogquist neighbor, former council candidate and currently wants to be the DFL candidate for House District 48B.  Bjorn Skogquist is the Chair of Boho's committee.  See  http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us/campfin/rpdetail/rp15834.html

There's more to Mark Peterson than he admitted to at a recent council meeting...  He delivered some outrageous, undocumented charges that, of course, got four lines in the Union. You can slander people that way and get abc newspapers to participate.

In fact, Skogquist routinely and effectively indulges in meeting and media manipulation, especially daring during election seasons.

Mark Peterson, "Mr. Full Disclosure", didn't mention the fact that he is a Skogquist supporter. His home on Oakwood being a "Skogquist for Mayor" sign location in 2004 and 2006.

Mark Peterson, who said full disclosure is a subject near and dear to his heart, also didn't disclose that he's been functioning as the Car Show's secretary.

So. . . Anoka River Run Car Show aka  River Town Community Partnership.

Non-Profit?  or   Political action group?

Windego Lease in Default

Profusion of prima facie breaches of terms and conditions of Windego Park Society lease:

  • Section 6:  Use of Premises.  "No event shall be conducted on the site unless it has received prior Landlord (City of Anoka) written approval."  Such event "shall be considered a breach of this lease."

   www.ci.anoka.mn.us links to What's New in Anoka? to Chinese Garden.  This refers to an event May 1 and 2. "The public is invited."

In Addition: "The Premises shall not be used for any events until after the completion of all improvements."

  • Section 7:  Improvements and Alterations.  If any alteration, decoration, addition or improvement is made without prior written consent of Landlord, Landlord may correct or remove the same.

In the expired (now denied) site plan there was mention of a future proposed rain garden compatible with the river and flood area.  This rain garden would have required approval through the site plan approval process involving the Planning Commission.  The Chinese Garden was never approved. And how can WPS ethically continue to raise funds without a site plan?  And for what purpose other than political visibility?

  • Section 10:   Assignment and Subletting.  The tenant (WPS) will not assign or permit occupancy or use of the premises without obtaining prior written consent of Landlord.
  • Section  11:   Tenant will name Landlord as an additional insured on the general liability policy.  (Not done as per Councilmember Weaver's request at Council meeting.)
  • Section 25:   Conflict of Interest.  Tenant shall not engage in any political fundraising, expenditures or activities involving City elections.  WPS President Erik Skogquist is running for Mayor of Anoka.
  • Section 12:  Default.  If Tenant shall fail to perform any of the conditions, covenants or agreements Landlord may, ten days after written notice, terminate this lease.

"Mayor" Bjorn Skogquist bypassed due process and placed the Chinese garden at his "non-profit" in an unethical and corrupt manner.

As a County Commissioner, what due process would this individual bypass for personal gain ?

Anoka taxpayers, be afraid, be very afraid.

Anoka Car Show Defugalties

First of many is that Anoka River Run is more of a car club take-over than a car show.  Car Shows are generally only 1-3 days.  Anoka's River Run is every Saturday for 18 long weeks. It's recognized as a reunion and get together for car people, most of whom are not from Anoka.

www.flickr.com/photos/65789783@N00/2655719590/  says, "it's mostly the same cars and people every weekend."  This site shows the streets almost empty on July 5, 2008.  Other photo sharing sites reveal equally sparse, empty streets.  Once a local has attended, it's been-there-done-that. Why go again? 

The people in charge of Anoka River Run have very different ideas of family friendly than most families.  Once they promoted visits with Santa Claus in a bar as an appropriate place to take small children.  The finale last year had a "bikini contest" that was more of a strip club pole-dance warm-up.  It's posted on You Tube.  Their latest attempt to shore up flagging interest is to offer free wine to young women.

There is the problematic link to Mayor Skogquist and a sort of Bjornite political party.  Running mates Aaron Barr and Mike Gundlach have worked the greeting gate as well as Skogquist himself. Skogquist family non-profit Windego has received funds from Anoka River Run.

The Car Show organization has been used as a reference account for "Skogquist Management", one of a pantheon of "organizations" and "non-profits" Skogquist has begun and abandoned.

Many see the car show as a political action "non-profit".  (At least new blood is being recruited besides the Skogquist's mother's neighbors.)

The Car Show does nothing for the downtown except maybe feed the bar scene.  All the bars have banners: "official River Run pit stop." Many locals actually avoid downtown on summer Saturday nights.

Compare the Car Show with one day Anoka Riverfest or what White Bear Lake does for seven Thursday's each summer.

See www.marketfest.org/photos.htm  Notice the photo of Washington Avenue with state fair volume crowds. They have a petting zoo, inflatable pink castle and incorporate the downtown shops and even include a helpful Downtown Business Directory link.

See www.startribune.com/local/east/25720844.html?location  "Market Downtown" for more on White Bear Lake's event.

Riverfest and Marketfest seem to be real community driven efforts designed to benefit the community and the downtown.  The entire council, with the conspicuous absence of Skogquist, were thanked for helping with Riverfest last year.

Anoka's River Run seems to primarily benefit and serve Mayor Skogquist and the paid organizer.

"Commissioner?" Skogquist. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Original post April 17, 2007.     Updated July 18, 2008.

Bjorn Skogquist's Anoka legacy, 302 Fremont, has been called "a foreclosure waiting to happen", a boondoggle and a debacle. It's very possible the city could lose well over $190,000 (the HRA's total annual budget); plus attorney fees and untold staff hours. 

Double speak, wishful thinking and plain old spin are heavily used in these dysfunctional cities.

Skogquist ally Paul Pierce had this to say about 302 Fremont: "he wants to thank the HRA and commend them on a job well done.  There will be no City funds or HRA funds lost to this project, and that the HRA will receive all of the funds back from the loan. It is important to note that the HRA's solution for 302 Fremont came out without any City money being left in the project. The things going on were all very positive and this all turned out very well."

It should be noted that Mr. Pierce was a student of mythology in his formative years.

Update:  The City of Anoka wrote off $186,000 from the HRA for their part of 302.  The Sheriff's sale was advertised in the 7-11-08 Anoka newspaper.  It will take place August 29, 2008 at 325 E. Main. Mortgagor: Paul M. Kaiser.  Mortgagee:  Wells Fargo Bank. Amount claimed to be due: $312,865.53.  Grand total: $498,865.  The building is not yet finished and does not have a certificate of occupancy issued.

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Pierce dismissed the Union's concern about the cost of city staff time and an estimated $15,000-$18,000 in legal fees at that time (5-05) as "just the cost of doing business."

In his campaign for city council Pierce declared: "The #1 problem is spending." And yet $18,000 in legal fees on one residence is considered "just the cost of doing business" by Mr. Pierce.  The Union promised a full accounting someday.  We're waiting.

Why is the theme to the Twilight Zone humming in my head?  And where did Paul Kaiser, the "rescue buyer", really come from?    Update:  A Paul Kaiser was a part-time ski instructor at the Anoka High School.               

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COMMENT:  It seems that Bjorn Skogquist should have a right to call 302 Fremont his historic preservation legacy.  As testified by four people according to the Anoka Union. 

He finagled long and hard and shamelessly for it.

He got Chris Heineman hired and placed under his assistant, the city manager, Tim Cruikshank.  This facilitated the micro-managing of the lack of due diligence Chuck Drury pointed out in his editorial on 4-13-07.

In a normal city this is known as incompetence and people lose employment over it.  In dysfunctional cities the employee is unanimously rewarded with a five year contract. Naturally.

People spoke against it at the time.  The ACT website, www.anokacitizenstogether.com , had argued all the reasons not to place that position in administration (Tim Cruikshank).  So Mr. Skogquist had to endure all that resistance. He had to endure all those attempts at good governance and due diligence.  But he pushed on and overcame all reason and now we have a Sheriff's sale. He really deserves to claim 302 Fremont as his historic preservation legacy.

Update: A nice ending to this would be if the finaglers chipped in and paid their mess off.  Paul Pierce, Aaron Barr, Bjorn Skogquist, maybe Bonnie McDonald. $46,500 each for the city portion.  Bank can fend for itself.

As it is Bjorn Skogquist can use 302 Fremont as a shining example of "pushing historic preservation" in his bid to do even bigger things at the county level as commissioner. 

Anoka County taxpayer:  Be afraid, be very afraid.

Bjorn's Blunders Bleed Taxpayers

Bjorn Skogquist stayed a little too long.

Many of his blunders are now blowing up.  The cost is being counted.

Anoka City Forum's Short List:

  • $186,000 was written off for 302 Fremont. Thousands more were squandered in legal fees and lost staff time.

(302 being the one thing 302 neighbor Aaron Barr will be remembered for since arriving in Anoka in 2002.)

  • $100,000 -Skogquist helps delay Riverspointe.
  • $500,000 each year delaying condo project by city hall.
  • $1,500,000 in embellishments for downtown ramp.

It's unfortunate the taxpayers money that's been lost can't be divided up and charged just to those citizens who voted to put Skogquist into office.

Don't forget quality of life:

  • Expanded liquor hours, expanded policing costs.
  • Habitat houses + fence on south Ferry instead of nice townhomes.
  • Fractious partisan politics.
  • A reputation as a dysfunctional city.

That's just the short list.

Good Olde Boy Bjorn

In Bjorn Skogquist's dysfunctional Anoka things often become arbitrary and capricious.  Compare Gould Jewelry and CVS, two projects proposed for 7th and Main.

One is now built: Gould Jewelry Store.

  • The other one, a CVS store, is finally in the process of going forward.

Gould had a dream.  But family jewelry stores are going the way of the dinosaur. Witness Hoff and J. B. Hudson Jewelry stores.

  • CVS had a market study.

Gould's project was granted changes in zoning and several variances.

  • CVS, (SuperAmerica-site owned by local family, the Dehn's), could have gone ahead and built their project with no special dispensations (ie. variances, zoning changes, etc.).  They were stopped by a moratorium.

And today Gould has boulders strewn in the sidewalks (not in any approved site plan).  A backwards fence (illegal).  And the building is unfinished.

The Difference:

Gould hosted events for both of Mayor Bjorn Skogquist's non-profits.

  • CVS and the Dehn family only had signatures of scores of mere Anoka residents.

There's never been a good old boy like Bjorn. 

Windego: Game Over

Mark McGowan, Mpls. developer and businessman, testified before the Anoka Planning Commission about the catastrophic, deal breaker flaws in Windego Park Society plans for the amphitheater.

It became clear in his presentation that Windego is primarily Bjorn and Erik Skogquist and defeated former councilman Paul Pierce.

It is also clear that City Council is now accountable for the new, reality-based information.

McGowan's concerns covered sound volume from the site, alarming safety and traffic issues, uninsurability and finances that make no sense.

He pointed to the lack of transparency and straight answers from Windego representatives.

Every Anokan can only hope the Windegans don't further embarrass themselves and the City by attempting to malign the messenger, Mr. McGowan.

It's been an ineffective and overused tactic.

Mr. McGowan, for the record, has two remarkable historic preservation projects to his name.

Using an all volunteer model, in 2004 McGowan organized a team of businesses that restored the Lake Harriet Bandshell.  This collaborative effort saved the public at least  $350,000.

A 2005 Preservation Alliance Endangered Site was saved.  The City Council of Norwood Young America unanimously agreed to pay McGowan a one-time $50,000 project management fee to oversee the restoration of their 105 year old pavilion.  Nearly 60 volunteer business partners were coordinated for this achievement.

McGowan's management fee of $30,000 for the Anoka amphitheater would have been a bargain.

Referred to as a polished promoter, Mark McGowan's honesty and ability to let others shine seem to be his strengths.

Windego almost seems like a sham racket of some sort in comparison.

Why would Anoka City Council take on unknown and potentially disastrous liabilities by approving this project, now that they know the information presented by Windego can't be trusted?

Never Get Done

Pat Walker recently gave an overview and reality check on the Windego Park Society (lack of) progress toward rehabbing the Eastman Stadium.

They need one million dollars. They've got $7,000 after 12 years of effort.

Walker said, "At this rate the project will never get done."

It has occurred to people that it never was their goal to "get it done."

Maybe their goal has been to tie up the site.

Alyssa Baguss, WPS quarter-time-administrator, has said; "Windego became a poster-child for saving some drug rehabilitation centers".

Everyone is well aware that drug rehab owners have been firmly behind Windego founder,Bjorn Skogquist's three campaigns for mayor.

Maybe Windego has been about preventing a reality-based discussion and assessment of the practical and preferred uses for this valuable city owned site.  (Nice little faux preservation plank in a campaign platform as well).

Reusing the amphitheater land would also precipitate a renovating look at the drug treatment facilities.

Comment: The irony will be if the drug treatment-cash-cow industry is regulated; these people may want to sell out for top dollar to a developer.  They would then need to include the amphitheater site for redevelopment to maximize alternative uses.

Buzz Box: Freedom of Speech

The "Anoka City Forum" inbox was abuzz with comments and disbelief over the mayor, Bjorn Skogquist, and his bartender Durkin's idea to pass a resolution against freedom of speech.

Some felt it was par for this course. Others were appalled someone would have the gall to even suggest government censorship in an American city hall.

It was at a meeting with no press, scant minutes, limited attendance - very "back room". It really got around though.

Someone pointed out that if Paul Pierce, Aaron Barr, Mike Gundlach or Dori Schumacher were on the council to back Mr. Skogquist up, it would probably be a done deal by now. "We the city council pass a resolution against the public's freedom of speech on blogs."

That would be serious. As noted, "Blogs now represent the town square and digital democracy."

"No one is more despised by career politicians than someone who insists on telling the truth and can back it up with good files."

"Always easier to attack messengers than deal with issues." (That's why civilian commenters are not ID'ed on this forum.)

Also: "Apparently Mr. Durkin approves of free speech for everyone except blogs. 

He seems VERY sensitive to any suggestion the car show might in any way be a platform for future politicals...mayor, council and the like.

Maybe we could all put on blindfolds and it would not be so easy to connect the dots.

Let's see...last election a non-profit looking for a cause was formed by mayor's running mate.

Now the car show is run by this non-profit...maybe blind folds AND ear plugs are needed.

As Durkin himself said at a recent meeting, "at the car show the candidates have all had an opportunity to get out and meet folks"...maybe blindfolds, earplugs AND a frontal lobotomy are needed to not be able to connect the dots."

This commenter was Spot On: the position of visibility on opening night of the Car Show was staffed by none other than Mayor Skogquist. Third night was Skogquist political yes-man and Anoka newcomer, Mike Gundlach.

We've heard from people noting electricity from a business being tapped as the Car Show people just helped themselves.  Also there seems to be dissatisfaction with how early they take over the streets from other users, businesses and neighborhoods.

Finally, someone else commented on the irony and similarities of Durkin and Castro's Cuba.  Cuba recently expelled two journalists. Durkin was quoted almost verbatim: "they were just too negative and it was hurting business."

Durkin's Pub guy

The Anoka City Forum received a thoughtful, almost philosophical letter from Durkin's Pub. Philosophy honed by years spent solving the world's problems by closing time.  It was in the vein of John Gardner, founder of Common Cause, encouraging citizen participation. Gardner:

"I keep running into highly capable potential leaders all over the country who literally never give a thought to the well-being of their community.  And I keep wondering who gave them permission to stand aside."

"Most Americans welcome the voice that lifts them out of themselves. They want to be better people. They want to help make this a better country.. When the American spirit awakens, it transforms worlds.  But it does not awaken without a challenge."

"As citizens we have every right to raise hell when we see injustice done, or the public interest betrayed, or the public process corrupted."

It could be argued that every individual has a citizen responsibility.

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Mr. Durkin also said, "The town is filled with negative attitudes." This narrow world view may have to be understood and perhaps discounted by the nature of the bar business.

Continue reading "Durkin's Pub guy" »

Public Menace

I need to disagree with the post "You gotta love Alice Wagner" in January.  That writer was much too charitable.

Alice Wagner's a public menace who doesn't know what she's talking about. I first made note of her defending some shenanigans of Paul Pierce at the Historical Society. It turned out she wasn't even a member and had never even been to an annual meeting.

She praised newcomer Mike Gundlach as a real grass rooter. He's the guy who violated the Open Meeting Law in Prior Lake according to the MN Supreme Court.

She praises King Byorn for the wonderfully fair meetings he runs.  He's a choir director!  He actually invited Qwest and Comcast officials to come and speak against resident interests.

He said there were two complaints. Staff corrected him: there were four.  I don't ever remember four residents having a serious common problem and the elected official himself contacts outside people to come, invites them to speak and speak against the residents interests!  Who does this Mr. Skogquist work for?

But it was the night before the election. (He works for himself). He set himself up to take shots at "industrialists" and "people who don't work for a living" but collect fees.

He knows working class Anoka and what plays well. (Do we even have industrialists anymore? . . . I bet that's from one of his speech books in his secret office/throneroom).

All the while he had just lost his part time job and was unemployed. Ah, the hypocrisy.

She praised Jeremy Neilson. Remember him? He's the guy who was investigated for misconduct after his first HRA meeting. . .another real "grassrooter" we can be proud of according to Alice.

Submitted. T. O.

Burger King

Mappingphotos_013 Jayson wrote in and asked about the Burger King site on the NW corner of Main and Ferry.  He called it an eyesore and wondered when would Anoka tear it down?

The Anoka City Forum appreciates the question.

Answer: The City of Anoka does not own it. The building is not structurally substandard and therefore is not subject to city ordered demolition.

Research indicates that there are currently four different private developers and four different private sellers involved in trying to make some kind of deal go forward.

The Forum has heard from prayer intercessors that this is a "location of interest" and there is spiritual warfare over the site that will influence the rest of the city. So, if you are a Christian Believer, please pray that this site would be released for the Lord's purposes, In Jesus Name.

So pray, Jayson, pray.

A little history on this corner: One of the original revival/unity meeting churches was located here. Before that, in 1861, the first Civil War volunteer came forward for the Union Army here at the Shuler Building.

More recently, five years ago, Burger King intended to rebuild but was derailed by an unwilling land/lease holder. That is why it has sat, lo these many years, gaining a reputation as an eyesore.

Jayson, the very month you asked about it is the month this obstructive lease expires.

Forum Research Dept.

Beleagured Aaron Barr

If 302 Fremont had not been such a failure, Anoka's Aaron Barr could cast himself as a community hero.

Bottomline: His neighbor, 302 Fremont, was "hurting his property values".  He took action to influence and pressure the city to solve his problem at exceptional  public expense. He also got a seat on the HRA (where he will continue to make decisions on 302) and a spot as the mayor's running mate.

Barr would be a poster child of effective personal political activism.  Well, maybe not that effective, the petition demanding the city take action wasn't worded correctly and he fell far short of the number needed; but it was an inspiring effort.  And he did succeed in getting public monies applied to his problem.

As it is, a precedent has been set.  Now the mayor's HRA will get to determine whose neighbor is next to receive extravagant public monies and local political status.  Maybe the Skogquist boys will put up political signs for them too. The mom and girlfriends may even do some door-to-door work on their behalf.

Continue reading "Beleagured Aaron Barr" »

Comments: 3-17-07

Comment :  The Anoka City Forum received appreciation and one legitimate complaint for the link to www.maplewoodmn.blogspot.com .  The Anoka Forum was criticized for being too "researchy": Mary C. said, "Why not be more entertaining like Maplewood's blog?"

"Maplewood has their Queen Diana and her minions. Why not have a contest for our guy: like Baron Bjorn or Little Boy Blunder, Baloney Bjorn or Bounder Bjorn?"

The Maplewood blog took the courteous position that if their council was going to invite ridicule, it would be MN Nice to oblige them.

Other Comments: These also spanned the spectrum. Whether you say "Alright" or "Ouch". Our contributors and commenters were commended for being involved, responsible American citizens or tedious self-righteous scolds.

Agreeing with Grampa Sam regarding Bjorn Skogquist flipping the bird on cable meetings:  "That was a problem in our family, too. The boys were at the age they thought it was great fun to 'flip the bird' to the biker dudes while Dad's pumping gas. We do have biker relatives, but they are not all as nice as our family I tried to explain."

Continue reading "Comments: 3-17-07" »

Aaron Barr: false info

Aaron Barr, 2006 Anoka council candidate, had the temerity to say he was concerned about "the low grade of ethics of people on the city's advisory boards."

An easy look-back has Mr. Barr first making the scene in a Union article in January 2005.  He was the leader of a group that circulated a petition regarding 302 Fremont, his immediate neighbor.

The Union report revealed "much of what has been represented [by this group] is either patently false, seriously in dispute, or counterbalanced by actions the public has not been generally aware."

Barr's group demanded action claiming "surrounding properties have been adversely affected by blight translating to decreasing property values."

His efforts, based on patently false information, influenced the hasty passing of an ordinance and extravagant HRA loans totaling $485,000.  These actions served Barr's immediate self interest: his "decreasing property values".

Now, Bjorn Skogquist wants Barr for a five year appointment to the city's independent housing authority, the HRA.  This group is empowered to tax, spend and make financial decisions apart from the elected body: the city council.  These appointments are not accountable to the public by election and outlast the two year mayor that appoints them.

A group with this power and longevity needs to recruit people of the highest personal ethics. Certainly not people looking after their own limited self-interest or rubberstamping the mayor's extreme, expensive agenda.

Continue reading "Aaron Barr: false info" »

Fact Check: 302 Fremont

This was an out-of-the-ordinary, extreme HRA loan.  Anoka's housing rehab revolving loan program was 5% APR maximum of $15,000 for residential, single-family.

Historic property  revolving loan program was 5% APR maximum of $30,000 for residential single-family.  See www.ci.anoka.mn.us

302 Fremont was $200,000 at .75%. . .yes, that's right. . . less than 1% for 10 years.

During the last election season mayor Skogquist and his running mate Aaron Barr were confusing this loan with the Jackson Street Condos project and making invalid comparisons. Young Skogquist wouldn't know the difference (and still doesn't get it: 1-29-07 work session) but Barr the Wells Fargo, now MinnWest Bank Guy should have.

For the record:  The Condos loan is $200,000 for 18 months at 2%.  It is a short term commercial  construction loan. It leverages a 1.7 million dollar privately financed project.

The Jackson Street Condos project includes three parcels with up to 10 units. (Possible 4 residential, 5-6 commercial).

Continue reading "Fact Check: 302 Fremont" »