Stories in the dailies report that Mary Jo Copeland’s orphanage in Eagan has been taken off the table. Copeland’s Sharing and Caring hands hasn’t been able to raise the $30 million necessary for the project.

Chaskans who have lived in town a few years may remember the great orphanage debate that raged from November 2001 to January 2002

The city of Chaska invited Gift of Mary Children's Home to consider Chaska as a site.

The proposed $30 million facility, in northern Chaska, was slated to house and school 160 children in foster care.

The home would have sat on 63-acres of rurally zoned property in Chaska. Officials emphasized that the decision came down to a planning issue, while residents voiced concerns ranging from safety to property values to liability.

However, the actual concept of an orphanage became the rallying point of the debate, with people arguing whether or not traditional foster care, versus an orphanage, was what was best for children.

In the end, the city unanimously voted down the project, arguing that it would hinder the city's low density green belt. "We haven't had many issues of this size," said then-Mayor Bob Roepke, of the argument.

Shortly after the city's decision, Copeland found a site for the orphanage in Eagan.

About this time last year, the Herald published a list of the top 10 controversies from the past 10 years, and the Copeland debate landed at No. 2.

Here's the list:

1. Jonathan residents debate future of homeowners association

2. Council ponders Mary Jo Copeland’s orphanage for Chaska

3. MnDOT considers Minnesota River crossing options

4. Home Depot/Target proposes development in Chaska Commons

5. In late 1990s, Carver County Sheriff’s Office is in turmoil

6. Chaska pushes through Brickyard redevelopment, followed by the Ohnsorg corner redevelopment

7. State trooper kills Stella the turkey, neighborhood mascot

8. Advocates push for protection of City Square Park Indian mounds

9. The city attempts to assess neighbors for an upgraded Bavaria Road

10. City enforces sandwich board sign ban downtown 

Any thoughts or memories of the great orphanage debate?