By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) Board recently met on Wednesday, Feb. 18 to discuss the development within the City of New York Mills.

Treasurer, Latham Hetland, discussed the housing study, environmental and sustainability study and the strategic framework survey which are all being done simultaneously with end dates nearing.

The housing study is being done with funds from Otter Tail County as the last study in town was done in 2017. This study will give a current look into what housing is available and where needs are not being met. This study will be finished by the end of February.

The Environmental and Sustainability study is being done by the city and will look into what resources are available, what is being utilized and what can be prioritized and maintained, as well as responsibly using resources into the future. This study is slated to be finished by the mid-summer point.

President Betsy Roder gave a report on the 2025 Community Development and Housing annual report from Otter Tail County. Core goals of included housing growth, quality and affordable childcare, a stable workforce and business development throughout the region. NY Mills was featured as one of the cities within the county, which received funding to support commercial rehabilitation for businesses.

In the future, the county continues to maintain and improve in all of these goal areas, but are also looking forward to advancing their efforts in finding their place on the map, creating and maintaining infrastructure, committing to improve employer resources and cultivating welcoming communities.

Through the EDA’s platinum membership with the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association, one of the benefits they are able to leverage is through Placer.ai, which is a tool that tracks the amount of inbound and outbound traffic throughout the year and helps to provide context for event participation within the community. Some statistics reported include the fact that most who commute to NY Mills travel between 11-30 miles, travelers further away have been reported at each border of the state as well as those from North and South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Visitors also spike during June through July during summer events, but also in October and December.

The Strategic Framework, which is being developed by the NYM Forward organization with input and awareness from the city and the EDA, is currently putting forth a survey into the community in order to collect results, ideas and guidance from community members. This framework will also be finalized within the next month or so and will provide guidance for future economic and community development.

City Clerk Julie Roberts gave a short report on the South Point addition where the city will be applying for funding to complete paving and lighting along the walking trail. The county also plans to move forward with the senior housing development, which will consist of two triplexes, where a total of six units will be available after an estimated 2027 construction.

The Family Resource Center is having marketing materials created, as well as architectural planning being done for the space in order for the remodel to begin. Some previous plans such as egress windows are being changed in order to stay on budget moving forward.

The next meeting of the NY Mills EDA will be on Wednesday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m. in the City Hall Chambers.