10-18-2016 EDC Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Economic Development Commission Minutes October 18, 2016 Page 3 of 4 housing on the second level or rear of shops. Residential development needs to be intentionally planned so it drives and cultivates community. Mayor Sjoblad stated that blighted dwellings need to be removed, but every budget cycle taxes cannot be raised. It will take tax dollars to improve these properties, which in fact will lower taxes with the increased tax base in the future. Quality of life and housing are large parts of our economic development. Sheila Haverkamp stated creating an amenity could drive economic development. In Crosby the amenity is the Cuyuna Trails. People are buying the older homes as there is no lodging nearby. Brainerd is doing it with the focus on the River. A family from Pequot Lakes bought a house next door to her son in Duluth because it is near Canal Park. Pequot will need to hold up its' amenities and people will come and revitalize the housing. We need to look at what type of impediments may be in the way for redevelopment. Commissioner Lindholm asked what is economic development and what actions can we take to accomplish that? We need to define that,whether it be housing or commercial. Where can we be most effective with the resources we have. We could be building the attracting amenity with the new sports area. Chair Jurchen and Dawn Bittner will meet to discuss what planning documents to include for the next meeting. Sheila Haverkamp will provide housing data. 5. Future Development—Infill&Expansion No discussion. 6. Thriving Communities Initiative Update Chair Jurchen reported the TCI meetings are being well attended with 30 to 40 participants. He also working on a grant with TCI. The grant will be for the planning stage for$5,000; it is too soon to apply for the$25,000 for implementation. The funds should be received in February. He may need some letters of support and may contact EDC members. 7. School Update Commissioner Lindholm reported MEA is this week. In addition, he is a non-voting member of the NJPA Board and NJPA has a dream of establishing a children's museum in Region 5. This would be a great educational opportunity and could be an economic development engine depending on where it is built. The location is beginning to be discussed. Pequot Lakes is the center between the Gull Lake and Whitefish Chains.