In a Fix: Fill Potholes, Empty Out Wallets

For cash-strapped Minnesota residents, street upgrades are a low priority. In metro-area suburbs, they're letting local officials know it.
When Michelle DeMarre learned that Maplewood was planning to slap a $7,000 tax assessment on her home to pay for new street and storm sewers, she was incredulous.
"During these economic times, they're asking for $7,000!" DeMarre exclaimed. "There were people at these public meetings [on the street proposal] who didn't even have a job.
We told the city, 'Now is not the time.'" It's a message being heard in suburbs across the metro area. With bulldozers revving up for spring construction season, many suburbs are finding loud opposition to local construction projects that in better days were OK'd by area homeowners with little more than a grumble.
Homeowners boast some success.
Last fall, Centerville chopped in half the $7 million price tag for a street improvement after bitter community complaints.
In January, Maplewood canceled its construction plans for DeMarre's neighborhood.
Last month, Bloomington sliced 1 mile out of its 5-mile road construction plan for 2009.
Some cities, however, worry that delaying repairs could end up costing more in the future. While residents have opposed these tax assessments in the past, it's been particularly swift and vocal this year, said Chuck Ahl, public works director for Maplewood.
Plymouth homeowners, for example, began organizing against a street improvements plan this winter long before a public hearing was even scheduled, said Lori Ahrens, city manager. "I think you'll see an overall downturn in normal public works projects," said Jim Miller, executive director of the Minnesota League of Cities.
In the current market, "it may be more difficult to demonstrate that property values will rise in relation to the amount of the assessment, which is required by law. And people may not have the ability to pay."
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Keep standing tall Centerville residents! Together we have a voice and together it will continue to be heard!!