After years of disappointment and delay, a Ramsey developer finally got the go-ahead Tuesday to build a veterans medical clinic for the northwestern suburbs. But the Department of Veterans Affairs has delayed a groundbreaking until after the Nov. 2 election.
The 21,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art outpatient clinic will serve as an alternative to VA hospitals in Minneapolis and St. Cloud for veterans in Anoka, Sherburne, Wright, Isanti, Mille Lacs and western Hennepin counties.
Developer Jim Deal said members of his team will likely meet with VA officials within the next few days to discuss design plans.
"I think the city is ecstatic," Deal said. "I'm just happy for the veterans."
Ramsey, in a heated battle with Elk River, was originally awarded the clinic in July. A protest forced a reopening of bids for the four finalists.
Deal was awarded developing rights again early this month, only to suffer another procedural delay -- a protest deadline -- before Tuesday's congratulatory phone call from the VA.
Ramsey Mayor Bob Ramsey, a veteran himself, has said he would like as many veterans as possible to attend the groundbreaking, whenever it takes place.
Invitations are expected to be sent to local and Washington politicians. Supporters of Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., have already mailed campaign literature proclaiming: "Michele Bachmann helped bring a new veterans clinic to the Sixth Congressional District."
