NYM EDA receives update on 60-unit apartment building

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met last week and heard a presentation about small business development in the area.

Ian Carlstrom, Regional Director of the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC), presented information to the NY Mills EDA board on the state program that he directs.

Carlstrom heads up one of the nine SBDC regions in Minnesota which comprises Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin Counties and is headquartered at the Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MState) in Moorhead. The SBDC provides services to businesses across the region ranging from feasibility studies, start-up assistance, business plan development and business evaluation and succession planning among others.

Latham Hetland, NY Mills EDA treasurer, said that succession planning was something that the EDA is becoming increasingly involved in and that the SBDC might be a good resource to offer business owners who are thinking of retiring. A few members also suggested that Carlstrom return for the annual Community Kick-Off in January to make NY Mills business owners aware of all the services offered through the program.

A revolving loan balance of $54,339.96 was reported and all-but one loan is current. The NY Mills EDA is working on rectifying the loan that is in default.

Amy Sobieski, NY Mills EDA secretary, informed the board that she needed to resign as a new job opportunity came up and she will be teaching at the NY Mills School this fall, which will occupy much of her time. 

NY Mills EDA President Betsy Roder thanked Sobieski for her 13 years of dedication and service to the local board.

The open position will be posted by the city and applications can be filled out at the city office if anyone is interested in filling the now vacant seat. Applications will be due by Sept. 8 so that an applicant can be approved at the next meeting.

Hetland updated the board on the Civic & Commerce and EDA joint marketing intern, Lauren Snyder. He reported that she has been helpful in much of the local marketing including the most recent promotion of the new house in the Country View Addition. Snyder interviewed Buddy and KayAnn Kahilainen to promote the lots available for sale in that part of town.

Julie Roberts also reported that the city closed on two lots in the Country View Addition recently and a new house and garage will be built on the property. She said another lot is also currently being closed on.

Hetland gave an update on NYM Forward. He said that they are working on the Welcoming Communities cohort, which will meet for the first time in September. He also mentioned that the Downtown Revitalization Committee is on a hiatus while scheduling conflicts can be hammered out.

The awaited update on South Point was shared by Roberts as she confirmed that Gohman’s finances have cleared and construction on the anticipated 60-unit apartment building will commence this fall. The city is finalizing the tax abatement and things are starting to move forward on the project. She also shared that the Otter Tail County HRA has a purchase agreement on two lots in South Point which is contingent on grant funding. The city council approved the agreement and will wait until December to hear if the grant funds are awarded to the County.

The next meeting will be held on Sept. 20 at 8:30 a.m. in the city hall chambers.