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Developers ask North Mankato to consider $300,000–$500,000 in sales-tax funds for Belgrade Avenue project; council expresses interest
Summary
Developers told the council they need $300,000–$500,000 to install helical piers for a proposed development on the 200 block of Belgrade Avenue; the council signaled interest but made no funding commitment.
Community Development Director Fischer told the North Mankato City Council that developers Max DeMars and Marty Walgenbach have asked the city to consider using sales-tax funds to pay for helical piers for a vacant parcel in the 200 block of Belgrade Avenue.
Fischer said past Central Business District projects, including work at the Brunton Architects building and 235 Belgrade, used city sales-tax funds to cover helical-pier installation costs. For the current site, the developers estimate the work would cost between $300,000 and $500,000. Fischer told the council that neither tax increment financing (TIF) nor tax abatement is available for the parcel.
Developer Max DeMars said that, if the council approves funding, the work would be scheduled to coincide with the Belgrade Avenue public-works project in 2026. Council Member Peterson asked for clarification on the timeline and staff confirmed the 2026 window if the council moves forward.
During public comment, Tom Hagen urged that development on the 200 block reference the Historic Context Study before approval and reiterated earlier suggestions to build on the current Public Works site instead of disturbing the landfill. Barb Church asked about tax consequences if the Public Works building were bonded and requested that council meetings be live-streamed on television again.
The council indicated it would be interested in considering the use of sales-tax funds for the improvement but took no formal vote or appropriation at the Sept. 15 meeting. Staff will return with more information and cost detail if the council wishes to pursue the request.
