Anoka’s new vision for the area around its Northstar Commuter Rail station laid out plans for housing and businesses that could create jobs and more tax revenue.
But a few months after signing off on the plan, city officials heard the train line between Minneapolis and Big Lake would likely be shut down.
“This kind of turns all of that work on its head,” said Anoka Mayor Erik Skogquist.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council said in a joint announcement last month that the rail line, which has long failed to meet ridership expectations, [could be shuttered and replaced with bus service.](https://www.startribune.com/northstar-commuter-rail-could-be-shut-down/601227451) That has left some cities along the route scrambling, worried that businesses and resident services could take a hit.
Cities including Anoka and Coon Rapids were transformed to accommodate the line, with stations, parking, walkways and commuter crossings, and in Fridley, a pedestrian tunnel under the tracks. They’ve developed land around the stops with the rail service in mind, bringing in apartments and creating walkable areas.
Now if Northstar goes away, they want some concessions.
“We’re sad to hear it may end,” said Scott Hickok, community development director for Fridley. “But the conversations don’t end with whether the train runs or not.”
Officials say much of the development to serve the line came with long-term leases and complicated contracts that would need to be unwound. They also worry about ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure around their stations. And questions remain about who might take over ownership of land near stops that could otherwise be developed.