By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met last Wednesday, February 19 to discuss the state of development within the city.

The first item of old business brought up was the CEDA Fund update. Jordan Grossman, Community and Economic Development Associates, has been working on different projects for the EDA board, including two new graphics for downtown buildings, new billboard artwork, commerce videos, and a digital marketing class that is planned for Wednesday, March 5. She is working on getting projects finished before her contract ends this spring.

The EDA board received two Downtown Matching Grant applications, both of which were approved by the loan committee. The first is an application from the Mills Car Wash at 93 Miller Street and requests the full $5,000 for concrete work, heat lines, sealcoating, and other exterior updates. The second application is for 15 East Centennial, LLC which is also asking for the full $5,000 to help replace the roof.

Julie Roberts updated the board on the Country View Addition, where two properties are in the process of being closed on. Both lots will have spec homes built on the properties and both qualify for the new city tax rebate program. Applications will be soon forthcoming as the city finalizes the paperwork. This leaves five lots in the addition left for sale.

Latham Hetland updated the board on NYM Forward and said that they are looking to undergo another strategic planning framework in the next year as the group has arrived at their original timeline goal (the group was formerly known as NYM2025) and is looking to move forward with the next set of goals.

An update on the South Point Addition was given by Julie Roberts. She said that the debris from the apartment building construction has been cleaned up. She also commented that the NY Mills Lions Club are planning to rehabilitate the walking path and add some trees. Otter Tail County received their grant and will be moving ahead with their triplex for senior housing after the purchase agreement is updated with the city. The facility is planned for a 2026 opening.

Another topic of discussion was the revolving loan fund balance of $223,154.66 which the EDA would like to utilize for business loans in the city. They discussed the positives and negatives of changing the interest rate on the loans. No action was taken at this time.

The next meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 in the City Hall Chambers.