Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cohasset EDA highlights new website, housing plans and marketing push
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Cohasset Economic Development Authority reviewed a new city website and marketing plan, discussed proposed multifamily redevelopment and land access options, and approved routine agenda and consent items.
The Cohasset Economic Development Authority on May 5 heard a Community and Economic Development Associate update on a newly launched city website, planned housing projects, and a proposed marketing campaign, and approved the meeting agenda and consent items.
Community and Economic Development Associate Ashley Craiglow told the authority the city’s new website is live and includes a Cohasset overview, a community and economic profile, available development properties and business resources. Staff plan ongoing improvements and outreach, including a business survey and a weekly “Business Spotlight” promotion; the first spotlight will feature Nelson Wood Shims.
Craiglow said the Minnesota Housing Partnership is planning a multifamily project on the site of a former trailer park and that staff will present a draft request for proposals to the City Council for feedback. An application has been submitted for an IRRR Residential Redevelopment grant to support demolition on a property on NE Secondary Street Avenue, and a density study by Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) indicates the site may need a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to meet density objectives.
Staff reported a northern property owner may sell a 38-acre parcel, but an existing pipeline and power line reduce usable acreage to about 16–18 acres; a meeting with the owner was scheduled to discuss possible access and easement options. The authority also discussed design trade-offs for potential housing, noting fourplex/quadplex models require larger driveways and shared utilities while smaller-unit splits raise per-unit costs. Craiglow said developers are exploring financing tools such as tax-increment financing, tax abatement or discounted land to make projects viable.
Market demand comments from staff emphasized strong interest in single-level patio homes of roughly 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms and attached heated garages, with price points around $300,000–$320,000. Staff estimated a 10–11-acre site with city utilities could accommodate roughly 25–30 units with phased construction. The authority also discussed rezoning questions in the Blackwater Banks area and signaled priority for shovel-ready lots including the Hagy property.
On procedural items, EDA member Mitch Kellin moved to approve the evening’s agenda; Rod Heller seconded and the motion carried with Mayor Josh Casper and EDA members Rod Heller, Conrad Feldt and Mitch Kellin voting in favor and Andy MacDonell recorded absent. The consent agenda, which included April financial statements (April balance noted as $580,415.08 unreconciled and March $580,600.12), a loan recap and approval of the April 7 minutes, was approved by the same vote. Mayor Casper adjourned the meeting at 5:53 p.m.
What’s next: staff will present the draft multifamily RFP to the City Council at an upcoming work session, continue outreach for the business survey and Business Spotlight, and follow up with the northern property owner about access and potential land options.
