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Response to Heinzel letter regarding growth in North Branch

To the editor:
I read with much interest the letter to the editor from Marilyn Heinzel in the Post Review on Feb. 5, 2003.
First, I have not seen any letters in the paper in the first four years that have said stop the growth. That is a misconception that many builders and developers would like people to believe. Myself, as well as many others would like North Branch to SLOW the growth so that our infrastructure can catch up, so we donít have to pay for the upgrades and expansion that are caused by the explosion of growth, over the last several years. I would hope that you have facts to back up as to just how many people and who want the city to grow quickly. I will share some facts that I have with you and others, to see that the majority want to slow the growth.
First, the survey done by the city of North Branch in 2001 showed that 63 percent of the people that filled out the survey were either concerned or extremely concerned with the amount of growth in North Branch.
Second, the survey done with the community, involving the LUC (with which your husband was involved) had about 25 percent of the people wanting slower growth. Not one person said that we should grow quicker.
Third, Chisago County also did a survey throughout the county; separating the responses of each town and city in the county (many responses to slow the growth, than speed it up were written by citizens, not only in North Branch, but the county).
We are not the minority, but the majority and hopefully with the new City Council and Mayor, as well as the new County Commissioners, we will finally be heard and be represented instead of just special interest groups that stand to profit from the explosion of growth.Ý
I do agree with you that the city should have planned controlled growth. However, that growth should pay for itself. Citizens already living here should not have to pay for continual upgrades and expansion. Unfortunately that has not been the case. Here are several examples:
First, sewer treatment plant. So far citizens already on city sewer and water have paid 13 percent extra since the year 2000, and will continue to pay into the system for the next several years, for sludge removal as well as expansion of a new system. It is fair to say that the developers pay into a fund to assist in paying for the new plant. However, their fees have not been increased in several years. Finally the city is looking to increase them which should have been done long ago.
Second, the storm sewer fund is in deficit, (because of the growth). Now the city is possibly looking for the people who are on well and septic (who have ditches) to help pay into the storm sewer fund. The city council could choose to send out a bill or put it on your property tax. This is still caused by explosive growth, which was not well planned for.
Third, roads using state aide money. Example: Hemmingway south of CR 14 was scheduled to be black topped in about 20 years from now. However, a developer wanted to develop land on that road. At first the developer was going to pay for the road, because he wanted water and sewer to be run to the property before it was scheduled. When last I talked to the city engineer, she said that he developer would pay for some of the cost (only a few inches of bituminous or black top) and the rest would be paid by assessments and state aide money. That state aide money should have been used for other projects that were already scheduled at the current time, not for the convenience of any developer.
Fourth, schools: We need another school because of the over crowding, not because the familyís here are now all having several children. You yourself, said that many people here are retired and have no children using the school.
Now, I realize that North Branch is not the only town or city in the school districts area, however one city, Yes North Branch, sends over 60 percent of the population to North Branch school district. Developers should be made to help pay for new schools with developer impact fees.
These are just a few examples of how the explosive growth has hurt us. I urge everyone to watch whatís going on now that the planning commission will (soon) be bringing the Comp Plan to the City Council. For those that have cable, I videotape the City Council meetings, as well as planning commission meeting. You can watch the tape on cable, channel 10 on the Monday following City Council meetings (2nd and 4th Monday and Planning Commission (3rd Monday) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m..
Theresa Furman
North Branch

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