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EDA considers stepping into old mill redevelopment as cannabis grower seeks space
Summary
At its June meeting, the New Prague Economic Development Authority discussed whether to assist with redevelopment or acquisition of the old mill site after an outside group expressed interest; members also noted a cannabis cultivator’s application to use the building’s loading-dock area and zoning constraints that may limit industrial uses.
The New Prague Economic Development Authority debated whether to participate in redevelopment or acquisition of the old mill property if a buyer emerges, and members discussed a cannabis cultivation applicant that plans to operate in the building’s loading-dock area.
"If somebody comes in and says, 'Hey, is the EDA interested in participating with us in some manner to help fix all of this up and guide this?' is that something that you think we'd be interested in?" asked Josh, who led the discussion on future endeavors. He said a group he works with had inquired about EDA involvement but he had not yet made contact to confirm details.
Board members raised cost and zoning concerns. Participants recalled prior demolition estimates described as very large (one speaker referenced an $8 million figure as a historical estimate) and said much of the building is difficult to reuse. Josh noted the mill’s zoning changed to a downtown overlay after the cultivation applicant submitted its materials, which limits industrial uses "by right" and will require planning-commission review. He said the cultivator’s current application proposes operations in the loading-dock area and that the planning commission will take the matter up at its June meeting.
Members discussed options for public involvement if a credible buyer appears. One board member said deed-redevelopment grants sometimes require public ownership or a demonstrated link to job creation; another noted a public entity can acquire a property to access grant dollars, perform demolition or remediation, and then sell the parcel to a developer under prearranged terms. Several members said the city and EDA could consider targeted, limited interventions (for example, facilitating sale or enabling specific cleanup) rather than long-term ownership.
The discussion emphasized constraints: high redevelopment costs, the specialized nature of developers who pursue historic-mill projects, and ambiguity about the authenticity of reported purchase agreements. Josh said he did not want to offer a "blank check" but wanted to know whether the EDA would be open to entertaining proposals and directing interested buyers to appropriate staff.
The meeting did not produce a formal motion on the mill; members agreed to wait for clearer proposals and planning-commission action on the cultivation application before taking a position.
