The Cook County HRA on Wednesday approved an amended resolution to include the City of Grand Marais as a contributing applicant for road improvements tied to the Bjorkberg development west of the courthouse.

Jeff, the HRA executive director, asked the board to correct the resolution’s numbers before the application is filed with the I triple r. He said the project now includes $220,000 from John Petters and $150,000 from the city, for a corrected total of $370,000. Jeff said the correction will be reflected in the application materials the HRA submits to the I triple r and that engineering maps and supporting documents would be attached.

The road segment in question is currently a narrow, 14- to 16-foot substandard road. Jeff and city officials said the proposed development would extend two blocks of road, add curb cuts and bring the roadway to a standard width to support the new homes planned in the neighborhood. Jeff told the board that if the HRA does not include the city and secure additional funding, the project might not be viable; he also said the I triple r has discretion over how it funds applications and that amendment is due by Oct. 24 for consideration in the November review cycle with awards announced in December.

Commissioners moved and seconded the amended resolution 25-19; the board approved it by voice vote and the chair announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: The amendment adds municipal matching and clarifies the total funding package for an infrastructure element the HRA and city say is necessary to enable the Bjorkberg housing project to proceed.