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Factors Affecting Financial Condition (Continued) <br />In 2006, the City placed a major focus on reconstruction of the 35W/Lake Drive interchange and completion of <br />public improvements in the Legacy at Woods Edge mixed use development to accommodate planned <br />development. Within Legacy at Woods Edge, the Lino Lakes Civic Complex and Chain of Lakes YMCA provide <br />a civic and community focus as part of the vision for Town Center. A workforce family housing project and <br />assisted living facility provide diversity in housing to underserved populations within the City. <br />The deep recession has had negative impacts on the Legacy development. Both the master developer and lender <br />— defaulted, sending the remaining 22 acres intended for townhomes and commercial uses into tax forfeit. However, <br />the solid foundation that was built and strong interest by developers prior to the recession ensures that better <br />economic times will once again bring the interest in residential and commercial growth needed to complete the <br />vision. <br />Building activity and development continued to be soft in 2010, reflecting the nationwide market. Building <br />permits for new homes in 2010 numbered 31, compared to 28 in 2009. This represents about 1/3 of the new home <br />permits issued in 2007 and is down by approximately 85% from 2005. <br />In anticipation of a strengthening economy, the City took the lead on developing the infrastructure needed to <br />service future growth on the 35E /County Road 14 interchange area. A major reconstruction of the interchange <br />completes a multi -year improvement of County Road 14 from Highway 61 in Hugo, through Centerville, to 35W <br />in Lino Lakes. The City portion of the cost for this bridge reconstruction project is being financed through Anoka <br />County, with the City issuing a $4.26 million General Obligation Note to the County. The interchange will be <br />completed in the summer of 2011. <br />- With both major interstate interchanges complete, the City is preparing for development of several hundred acres <br />in the northeast quadrant of 35E/14. Interest in the commercial interchange has spurred planning for an extension <br />of Otter Lake Road North, which will leave the City well poised to accommodate significant future industrial, <br />commercial and residential development. <br />Long -term financial planning. The sagging economic conditions since 2008 continue to provide challenges in <br />our long -term outlook. In 2004, the city entered into an agreement with a master developer to develop 40 acres in <br />the southeast quadrant of I -35W and Lake Drive. This mixed -use development is intended to include diverse <br />opportunities for housing, retail and office uses. To date, the development includes the Lino Lakes Civic Complex <br />(which houses the city hall, police station and school district early childhood center), the Chain of Lakes YMCA, <br />_ <br />a 60 -unit workforce housing project, 13,000 square feet of leasable commercial space, and a former hotel, which <br />is planned to be converted into an assisted living facility. Anoka County has plans to build a new regional library <br />across the street from the development site, which is scheduled for 2012. However, the deep economic recession <br />has stalled housing and commercial plans in the development and has forced the remaining 26 acres into <br />foreclosure and tax forfeiture. The City continues to look for ways to resurrect the project and strives to be <br />prepared to market the property when the economy recovers. <br />WOW <br />5 <br />