Proposal could bring affordable housing options

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The New York Mills Economic Development Authority met on Wednesday, Sept. 17 to discuss development within the community.

The EDA’s revolving loan fund balance sits at $239,076.33 and is available for eligible businesses to utilize. A discussion on interest rates and loan availability was had and the loan subcommittee will discuss these further and present a proposal at a later date.

Amy Baldwin, Community Development Director of the Otter Tail County Community Development Agency, was present to speak about a number of topics that might be beneficial to the EDA’s efforts in NY Mills.

The county CDA has funding available that cities can utilize for affordable housing, redevelopment, acquisition with a plan in place, commercial rehabilitation, public infrastructure for housing and also for general planning.

Otter Tail County is also planning for two triplexes to be built in the South Point addition for senior housing. Funding is still being secured for the project, though a portion has already been set aside for construction.

A housing study was brought up for NY Mills as the last study was completed in 2014 and writing grant funding for affordable housing often hinges on the results of recent housing studies. The EDA will look into the possible funding from Otter Tail County to fund a housing study in the near future.

Baldwin also spoke about what the county is doing to improve housing options within NY Mills. They are working on a plan to act as the developer and build two spec-homes within the city in the future for affordable housing. Another project they are working on is a proposal to the county commissioners to be able to more readily leverage tax forfeited properties in the future for affordable housing expansion.

Julie Roberts updated the board on the remaining CEDA funds, which is around $5,000. These funds will go towards the brochure kiosk in the Barn, as well as a pet station. The platinum membership for the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association will also be renewed before the year ends. Because the Barn is closed for the winter, a secondary brochure stand was also suggested for city hall.

President Betsy Roder updated the board on the grant software program that they have been discussing for some time. The Cultural Center grant writers met with Creating Community Consulting to discuss their software and its capabilities. They are still learning more about the program and will provide their findings to the EDA once they decide on how to proceed for the organization.

NYM Forward co-hosted the Welcoming Communities Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 16 on Main Avenue and estimated attendance at over 250 people. There were more booths and people than last year’s initial event.

Strategic planning is ongoing and the scoreboard project has been nearly completed, with advertisements being the final installation, which is slated to be finished by the homecoming game.

Roberts said that the shelters have all been installed at South Point and are ready for use.

The next meeting of the EDA will be be on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 8:30 a.m. in the City Hall Chambers.