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Cohasset EDA sets timeline for city website relaunch, pursues market study for Blackwater Banks development
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting, the Cohasset Economic Development Authority set a March content‑migration target for a website relaunch, discussed developer outreach for the Blackwater Banks project and accepted a University of Minnesota offer to conduct a hotel market study; signage, a business survey and social media plans were also discussed.
Cohasset Mayor Josh Casper and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on Feb. 10 and agreed on a schedule to relaunch the city website and to continue developer engagement for the Blackwater Banks project.
Community and Economic Development Associate Ashley Craiglow told the board the city aims to complete content migration by March 6, 2026, with staff training to follow and a planned public launch on or before March 27, 2026, pending training outcomes and any layout adjustments. Craiglow said specific update responsibilities were assigned to staff: Ashley for EDA content, Abby for minutes and agendas in the city section, Stephanie for Parks and Recreation, and CivicPlus for major backend administration. She noted there is currently no formal citywide pre‑approval process for web content and that the social media policy may be expanded to cover website governance.
The EDA also discussed outreach to developers on the Blackwater Banks project. Craiglow said the University of Minnesota offered to perform a hotel market study at no cost and will work with the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission to gather regional data. The board considered whether a hotel is viable or whether alternative uses — including mixed‑use buildings with ground‑floor retail or upscale apartments and senior housing with water views — would better match regional demand. Members raised concerns about slow‑season occupancy and discussed strategies such as winter tournaments to mitigate off‑season drops in demand.
EDA members reviewed signage and outreach options intended to attract developers. Temporary, low‑cost roadside signs were proposed for Blackwater Banks while a larger, highway‑visible sign was discussed for the Industrial Park; staff cited an estimated temporary signage cost of about $2,150 and suggested improvements to existing signs through lighting and height adjustments.
On outreach and data collection, the board approved a plan to distribute a CEDA/EDA business survey online and via hand delivery to assess local business needs, inform website resources and feed into the comprehensive plan. The survey will include an option for respondents to request follow‑up meetings.
The EDA also discussed creating a simplified EDA logo and a separate EDA Facebook page to maintain neutrality from the city page. Craiglow said one person would manage the EDA page and that potentially controversial posts would be pre‑cleared with the group prior to publication.
The meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.; minutes were submitted by Abby Majewski.
