By Melanie Stegner

news@pctribune.com

The request for proposal period for the parcel that once contained the Fremad Building came and went with no formal proposals coming to the table, it was stated at last week’s Pope County HRA/EDA meeting. “A few people have been kicking the tires on it, but nothing formal has come in,” stated HRA/EDA Executive Director Jason Murray. 

“I’m hopeful as spring gets closer there will be some more interest,” added Murray. For now, the fencing will stay up and the sign will be on the property through May. 

Before the demolition last September, Pope County turned over the Fremad building to the Pope County HRA/EDA and that agency worked with the Minnesota Historical Society to get final approval to demolish the building, which was on the National Registry of Historic places.  Once that hurdle was cleared, the HRA/EDA purchased adjacent buildings and sought Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to demolish and redevelop the property, which is on the corner of Franklin Street and 1st Avenue just south of Eagle Bank in downtown Glenwood.

The demolition is the first step.  The HRA/EDA is now working to get a private developer to purchase the property and develop it, adding the new development to the city and county property tax base.

  The commissioners approved a request to have the affordable housing funds transferred into the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). A few priorities the HTF will assist with included down payment assistance, creating affordable market-rate housing and ensuring safe living facilities for residents, according to information at the meeting.  “We want to use this where we can have the greatest impact,” stated Kersten Kappmeyer, Pope County Administrator.

It was stated that prioritizing infrastructure for new developments could possibly be an option. Down payment assistance would tie up the funds for the length of the borrower’s mortgage until it can be repaid which would limit the amount of assistance available. 

“We’ve got the tools…where is the best bang for our buck in investing this money into affordable housing?” Murray said. The board opted to discuss the possibilities at a future work session. 

The board previously discussed developing a former mobile home park in Starbuck to have spaces for “tiny homes.”  Pope County Commissioner Paul Gerde, who also serves on the HRA/EDA board, said that he had looked at the property in Starbuck and is concerned with the number of upgrades that may need to be done to accomplish that goal.