Housing study shows strong demand; council approves $36,000 FlexPACE buydown for local shop

Administrator Nick Ziegelmann presented results of a local housing study, telling the council the community faces very high housing demand and a projected population growth of about 4 percent. He identified potential development areas, including property near Lessard and Central Middle School and a parcel 150 feet off Golf Course Road, and said the Economic Development Committee will seek a cost analysis of infrastructure needs. Ziegelmann also noted Senate Bill 2225 includes potential investment for utilities in rural communities under 8,500 residents and that, if funded, utility construction would likely not begin before 2026.

Ziegelmann brought forward a FlexPACE application for Byrdie’s Gift Shop at 500 Hill Avenue. He said the business converted from a construction loan to long-term financing with the Bank of North Dakota and that the Economic Development Committee recommended a buydown equal to the present value of the FlexPACE benefit, $36,000. Ziegelmann said Ms. Dusek will request $10,000 from the Walsh County Job Development Authority; the council approved the full $36,000 commitment in case JDA funds are unavailable. Council member Brad Burianek moved to approve up to $36,000; Council member Kylen Kostrzewski seconded the motion and the council adopted the measure by roll-call vote.

The council asked staff to return with infrastructure cost estimates and to report on potential funding sources and timelines. No specific construction schedule was adopted; Ziegelmann said roads would not be completed until a later year to allow compaction and that utilities would be unlikely before 2026 under current assumptions.