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4 days ago

Cottage Grove honors Public Safety Director Pete Kerner after 34 years of service Council members, county and regional law-enforcement leaders praised Public Safety Director Pete Kerner's 34 years of service at a recognition ceremony; Kerner thanked staff and family and said he will remain involved in the community.

Cottage Grove bids farewell to Public Safety Director Pete Kerner, celebrating 34 years of unwavering service and leadership in the community.

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4 days ago

Cottage Grove delegates $13.1M 80th Street/Highway 61 contract award pending MnDOT civil-rights review The Cottage Grove City Council authorized delegating award of the 80th Street/Highway 61 interchange rehabilitation contract to Park Construction, roughly a $13.1 million project, contingent on MnDOT Office of Civil Rights approvals and federal requirements.

Cottage Grove is set to kick off a major $13.1 million interchange rehabilitation project, pending final approvals—are you ready to see the changes?

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #CottageGroveHighway61

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2 months ago

Cottage Grove EDA outlines development pipeline, explains tax-abatement use for Yellow Tree project At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority heard a community development briefing covering school construction, apartment projects and business expansions and discussed the city-only tax abatement being pursued for the Yellow Tree apartments after TIF was ruled inappropriate.

Cottage Grove is buzzing with new developments, from school construction to innovative apartment projects, as the city explores flexible tax abatements to fuel growth!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CommunityDevelopment #BusinessExpansions #EducationConstruction

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4 months ago

City reports lodging tax collections tracking as expected; Rentalscape flags unlicensed short-term rentals Communications staff said the Minnesota Department of Revenue is collecting Cottage Grove’s lodging taxes; staff reported Q3 lodging tax receipts of $15,392, year-to-date $62,955, and Rentalscape identified 11 licensed short-term rentals and 10 unlicensed short-term rentals (22 total unlicensed properties).

Cottage Grove's lodging tax collections are on track, but the discovery of 10 unlicensed short-term rentals raises questions about compliance!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CottageGroveLodging #ShortTermRentals #TaxCollection #ComplianceMonitoring

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4 months ago

Cottage Grove police outline e-bike categories, education-first approach and possible local rules Police Captain Brad Peterson told the Cottage Grove Public Service Commission that state statute lags behind rapidly evolving e-bike and micro-mobility devices, recommended an education-first enforcement approach this winter, and proposed ordinance clarifications (definitions, helmets, age/certification and trail/sidewalk rules) for council consideration in December.

Cottage Grove police reveal critical gaps in e-bike regulations and propose a safety-first approach to protect riders and pedestrians alike.

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4 months ago

Fitch study: Cottage Grove central station covers >90% of calls; consultants recommend data fixes, staffing and staged capital options Fitch & Associates presented a draft fire service evaluation to the Cottage Grove Public Service Commission showing a 90th‑percentile overall response time of about 14.3 minutes (dispatch 4.3, turnout 3.1, travel 9.3). GIS modeling suggests the central fire station can meet travel-time standards for roughly 93–94% of calls; consultants recommended focusing on dispatch/turnout improvements, planning fleet replacement, and evaluating staffing and EMS cost-sharing models. Final recommendations will go to the council on Dec. 3.

Fitch & Associates reveal that Cottage Grove's central fire station meets over 90% of calls, but crucial improvements in dispatch and staffing are needed to enhance emergency response times.

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4 months ago

Cottage Grove PSC approves annual Star Trail snowmobile map, pledges to work with developers to preserve routes The Cottage Grove Public Service Commission approved the city’s annual snowmobile/Star Trail map and heard club leaders and staff identify potential conflicts with planned development east of Keats Avenue and near the Walmart area. The commission encouraged continued coordination with developers and regional agencies to preserve trail access.

Cottage Grove's snowmobile trails are at a crossroads as development plans loom, sparking concerns over access and safety for riders.

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CottageGrovePublicServices #TrailAccess #OutdoorRecreation #CommunityDevelopment

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4 months ago

County commissioner announces new bus route to Mall of America and local service updates County Commissioner Carla Bingham told the Cottage Grove City Council that a new Woodbury–Newport–Mall of America bus route will start Dec. 6 with hourly service 6 a.m.–8 p.m., an open house at Newport Transit Center is set for Dec. 10, and local service expansions and library renovations are planned; she also highlighted food‑shelf funding after SNAP interruption.

Cottage Grove is gearing up for exciting changes, including a new bus route to the Mall of America and major renovations at the Park Grove Library!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #LocalFoodInsecurity #PublicTransit #CottageGroveServices

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4 months ago

Cottage Grove Council approves 164‑unit Hadley Ridge affordable housing project, commits LAHA and bond conduit The Cottage Grove City Council approved a developer agreement, a $916,000 Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) commitment and authorization for up to $50 million in multifamily revenue bonds to support a 164‑unit affordable project called Hadley Ridge; developer expects financing closed by year‑end and construction to start in early 2026.

Cottage Grove is taking a bold step towards affordable housing with the approval of the Hadley Ridge project, featuring 164 units to support the community's needs.

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5 months ago

Residents urge Cottage Grove to stop renting Hero Center to ICE; council heard objections during open forum Multiple Cottage Grove residents used the public-comment period to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using the city's Hero Center for training, urging the council not to renew rental contracts. The council did not take immediate action at the meeting.

Cottage Grove residents are rallying against the city's contract with ICE, urging for a more compassionate approach to immigration enforcement.

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CottageGroveHeroCenter #CitizenPortal #CivicParticipation #ImmigrationReform #CommunitySafety

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5 months ago

Cottage Grove Council deems Nelson Mine EIS adequate for permitting after heated public comment After hours of public comment and appeals from environmental groups and neighbors, the Cottage Grove City Council voted to deem the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for MRIs' proposed Nelson (Backwaters) Mine adequate to inform permitting agencies, while stressing the determination does not authorize mining.

Cottage Grove residents and environmental advocates are raising alarms after the city council deemed the proposed Nelson Mine's environmental impact statement adequate, despite overwhelming public concerns about its accuracy and potential risks.

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5 months ago

Bluestem Apartments recognized nationally; Cottage Grove credited for supporting affordable senior housing Bluestem Apartments, an affordable senior housing project in Cottage Grove, received national awards for community innovation and project excellence; Melissa Taphorn received NAHRO's Outstanding Professional of the Year award.

Cottage Grove's Bluestem Apartments are making waves in affordable housing innovation, earning national recognition for their commitment to supporting seniors and residents with disabilities!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CommunityPartnerships

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8 months ago

Pine Ridge Garden Club Celebrates Community Achievements at Gathering Pine Ridge Garden Club members commend each other's contributions during community event.

The Cottage Grove City Council meeting celebrated the incredible contributions of the Pine Ridge Garden Club, highlighting the power of community engagement in shaping a brighter future.

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #QualityOfLife #CommunityEngagement

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove City Council Proclaims July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month Council unanimously accepts proclamation designating July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.

Cottage Grove is gearing up to celebrate July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting the essential role of parks in promoting health, community resilience, and active lifestyles!

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8 months ago

Mayor Bailey proclaims August 5 2025 as Night to Unite in Cottage Grove Cottage Grove residents urged to join Night to Unite for community policing on August 5 2025

Cottage Grove is gearing up for "Night to Unite" on August 5, 2025, a powerful initiative that brings neighbors and police together for a safer community!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement #CrimePrevention #CottageGroveCommunity

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove City Council Discusses Major Public Works Projects and Strawberry Festival Success Council members report progress on large pavement management project and celebrate festival contributions.

Cottage Grove's City Council is making waves with the largest pavement project in history and a successful Strawberry Festival—find out how they’re transforming the community!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovements #CommunityEngagement

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove City Council Addresses Local Concerns Over ICE Training at HERO Center Council members hear resident concerns about ICE training facility during open forum discussion.

Cottage Grove residents are demanding answers after discovering ICE agents are training at the HERO Center, raising questions about transparency and accountability in their community.

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove Receives Minnesota Recreation Park Association Awards for Park and Pickleball Program Cottage Grove wins two awards for Glacial Valley Park and successful pickleball program.

Cottage Grove just received two prestigious awards for its stunning Glacial Valley Park and an explosive growth in its pickleball program—community innovation at its finest!

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove Honors Green Garden Award Winners Jan and Steven for 2025 Jan receives residential award while Steven is recognized for sustainability in gardening.

Cottage Grove's annual Green Garden Awards celebrated the community's gardening passion, honoring Jan's stunning residential garden and Stephen's eco-friendly wildflower patch!

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8 months ago

City Council Denies Variance for Metal Building at 6255 Hadley Avenue Council rejects Al Dressley's request for a variance on metal building materials.

Cottage Grove's City Council faces a tough decision as they deny a resident's request for a variance on a modern metal storage building, igniting a debate on zoning laws and community aesthetics.

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove Lions Host First Annual Hometown Heroes Golf Tournament on August 1 Cottage Grove announces golf tournament and walk-run fundraiser for military families and veterans.

Cottage Grove is gearing up for exciting community events, including the inaugural Hometown Heroes Golf Tournament to support military families and veterans!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CottageGroveMilitaryFamilies #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #VeteransSupport

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove Prepares for Night to Unite Community Engagement Event Cottage Grove emphasizes community building for Night to Unite on July 29.

Cottage Grove's beloved Night to Unite is back and bigger than ever, but hurry—registration closes soon and spots are filling fast!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CommunitySafety #LocalSupport #CottageGroveCommunity

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8 months ago

Cottage Grove Council Prepares for Food Truck Festival and Local Theater Performances City council highlights upcoming events including food truck festival and theater performances.

Cottage Grove is buzzing with excitement as the City Council unveils a lineup of thrilling events, including a movie night and a massive Food Truck Festival that promises to unite the community like never before!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #LocalCulture #CitizenPortal

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9 months ago

Cottage Grove Planning Commission discusses affordable housing and developer project updates Commissioner Bhatt inquiries about affordable housing and setbacks in Cottage Grove.

Cottage Grove's Planning Commission is tackling crucial issues like affordable housing and zoning transparency, paving the way for a brighter community future.

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CottageGrovePlanning #CommunityEngagement #UrbanPlanning

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9 months ago

Cottage Grove Council approves school transition building and real estate project funding Council greenlights school building upgrades and new apartment funding in Cottage Grove.

Cottage Grove is set for a transformation with key developments approved, including a new school transition building and exciting housing projects!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #CottageGrovePlanning #InfrastructureImprovement #CommunityEngagement

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10 months ago

Cottage Grove residents demand rent cap amid rising housing costs Residents express support for rent limits at Cottage Grove forum addressing affordability concerns.

Cottage Grove residents are raising their voices against skyrocketing rent increases, sharing heartbreaking stories that highlight the urgent need for a cap to protect struggling families.

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10 months ago

Washington County reviews site plan for new facility amid parking and runoff concerns County officials evaluate site plan adjustments to address impervious surface and parking issues

Cottage Grove is on the brink of a transformative site plan that promises to reshape its community, but concerns over environmental impact and parking could change everything.

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #EnvironmentalStewardship

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10 months ago

City Council explores alternative community engagement for Glacial Valley Park Council members discuss options for community meetings in Glacial Valley Park.

Cottage Grove's Park & Recreation Board is shaking things up with innovative ideas like park meetings and community bus tours—could this be the future of local engagement?

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #InnovativeStrategies #CitizenPortal #CottageGroveParks

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11 months ago

Council approves medical cannabis business permit at 8235 90th Street South Council Member Garza secures approval for new medical cannabis business permit resolutions.

Cottage Grove City Council just made waves by approving a new medical cannabis business, marking a pivotal step in local economic growth!

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #MedicalCannabis #LocalBusinessDevelopment #CottageGroveLocalBusiness #CitizenPortal

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11 months ago

Cottage Grove officials discuss innovative housing solutions amid rising demand City leaders explore zoning changes to encourage affordable housing development for seniors and families.

Cottage Grove officials are reimagining housing solutions to meet skyrocketing demand, aiming to attract national builders and revamp zoning laws for more affordable living options.

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#CottageGroveWashingtonCounty #MN #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #CottageGroveHousing