Grants to enhance exterior of two buildings

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Economic Development Authority (EDA) board met last Wednesday, Aug. 20 to discuss the development within the city.

The EDA’s revolving loan fund balance is at $237,568 which is available to be loaned out to local businesses. Those interested are invited to contact the city for more information.

The Downtown Matching Grant Program received two applications. The first for SMAA/LLC (Kiss & Makeup Salon & Spa) for external upgrades to the building was approved. The second, for Matt Johnson who owns the old feed storage building next to the railroad tracks, was approved to do renovations. Julie Roberts will check on remaining funding for next month’s meeting.

The board is still waiting on a consulting quote from Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), but they expect a final answer by September. CEDA funds are also being weighed as to the best use to use what is remaining. 

Roberts will be ordering a dog waste station and visitor kiosk/brochure holder for The Barn. The board also discussed was the possibility of handing out condensed welcome packets, paying for another year of the higher membership level with Otter Tail Lakes Country, using the funds for the walking trail and dog park connection, or to purchase the grant writing software from Creating Community Consulting. The board will revisit this discussion pending price-points of each.

In South Point, one of the shelters has been installed along the walking path and Kyle Mattson is working to install the rest along with their cement slabs. The connection between the trail and the dog park is also being worked on. Trees will be planted in September by the NY Mills Lions Club alongside the walking trail.

Adam Johnson reported that the County’s Family Resource Center, which will be housed in the City Center building after some renovations, has hired Sara Hotakainen as its director. Along with Widseth Engineering and Hammers Construction, construction plans are being made. The facility is slated to open in the fall of 2026.

Amy Baldwin from Otter Tail County will be invited to attend one of the next meetings to discuss economic development in other towns across the county and what they are able to do with their funding. The VFW Post 3289 came up as an example of having internal support to fundraise for expansion and new activities for families and local community members.

The NYM Forward group has been working on the new scoreboard at the football field and also the Welcoming Week Street Fair, which is set for Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The next EDA meeting will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the City Hall Chambers at 8:30 a.m.