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Cohasset work session focuses on strategic plan, housing options and daycare lease
Summary
At an open work session before the regular meeting, the Cohasset council reviewed timing for its Strategic and Comprehensive Plans, discussed housing options for the Hagy property and Bass Brook area, reconsidered a sports facility plan for Blackwater Banks, and reported progress on a daycare lease with proposed rent of about $0.32 per square foot.
Council members and staff used a 6:00 p.m. open work session Feb. 23 to review planning and development priorities ahead of formal action. Mayor Josh Casper and ex‑officio staff outlined schedule items: the Strategic Plan final presentation is set for March 17, 2026, and the Comprehensive Plan kickoff is scheduled for March 18.
Staff reported the Minnesota Housing Partnership has expressed interest in collaborating on a potential housing project pending grant funding, and the council discussed inviting Isaac Meyer from the Itasca County HRA to a future work session to discuss concepts for the cemetery property, including possible HRA funding for site preparation.
The council reviewed multiple site‑level planning ideas. The Hagy Property was identified as a priority, with council members discussing owner‑occupied and senior housing options. The Blackwater Banks Project is being re‑evaluated after information from an amateur sports association suggested a field house or hockey rink would be a "losing effort," prompting the council to explore alternatives such as higher‑end apartments or condominiums and complementary business uses.
The council affirmed a vision for high‑density rental housing in the Bass Brook Trailer Park area but noted that progress depends on two land acquisitions: a tax‑forfeit parcel listed on the Itasca County Board agenda for April 28, 2026, and additional land to provide a second entrance. The minutes record that if high‑density development is not feasible, councilors remain open to other options, including manufactured housing partnerships.
Staff also reported progress on a daycare lease, with draft terms under review by the council and a proposed rent of about $0.32 per square foot (the minutes say this figure includes personal property taxes). Other administrative updates included a website launch planned for March 27 and social media outreach plans for city and EDA pages.
The work session concluded with an action to designate Emmons and Oliver Resources, Inc. as a reference on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Hawkinson Construction Co.; the regular meeting later recorded that designation as approved.
