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Friday, October 13, 2006
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Options for BRHSC site aired
Senior Reporter A future Brainerd Regional Human Services Center could include residential housing, health care and professional services and even retail stores.
There is no endorsed plan in place yet. But those were some of the options discussed at Thursday night's public meeting about the campus. The meeting was one of a series of sessions aimed at providing information to the public on reuse options, answering questions and gleaning additional ideas for the campus. About 40 people attended the meeting in Building 4 at the BRHSC campus, which is near the intersection of Highways 18 and 25 in southeast Brainerd.
A market analysis, community survey and detailed review of the 14 buildings on the site have all factor into a reuse plan. The master plan process is expected to be completed in January. The actual plan for the center's future could take decades to realize.
"I see it as an asset a lot of communities don't have," said Sheila Haverkamp, a member of the master plan committee looking at the center's future use.
Consultant Mark Koegler, president of Hoisington Koegler Group, said there is a lot of passion and interest in the site and how it should be used in the future.
A community survey found a majority of support to retain the existing buildings and health-care-related uses. Koegler said existing enterprises at the site want to stay there.
Colorful graphics used during the meeting showed what is at the BRHSC campus and what could be there.
Those graphics are expected to be posted on Crow Wing County's Web site in a matter of days.
One option divided the site into sections of residential on the north, a campus setting in the middle and private development with retail on the south closer to Highway 18.
Other potential options include:
¥ Retention of existing services, such as the Veterans Outpatient Medical Clinic and its possible expansion as well.
¥ Housing for veterans in a traditional neighborhood setting on the campus close to services.
What's next?
Another community meeting looking at the future use of the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center will be set in mid-December in Brainerd.
Graphics and ideas for future use of the campus, highlighted at Thursday's public meeting, soon will be available online at www.co.crow-wing.mn.us.
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¥ Half-way houses.
¥ Mothballing buildings until a future use is found.
¥ Carving a portion of the site for use as market value residential homes (perhaps on the north side), or creating a corporate or college campus.
¥ Creating a mix of public and private enterprises and nonprofit uses.
RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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