Valentine board approves up to $100,000 to help redevelop trailer court into 10 single‑family lots

The City of Valentine Economic Development Board voted unanimously April 28, 2025, to split infrastructure costs with property owners Gene and Kathy Darnell to redevelop an existing trailer court into 10 single‑family lots, approving an Economic Development grant not to exceed $100,000 to be disbursed as invoices are submitted.

The motion was made by Board member Sean Markus and seconded by Board member Deanne Holmes; the vote carried unanimously. The action directs the board to reimburse infrastructure expenses as the Darnells submit invoices for work on the lots at Thatcher and Donohue Street.

Board President Nadeane Allard opened the meeting and members discussed workforce housing options earlier in the session, including ideas for three Wood Street lots purchased from Homer Grinde and issuing a request for proposals for contractors to build single‑family homes, duplexes or a small apartment building. The board’s Economic Development Fund balance was reported as $1,087,687.07.

At the meeting, Gene and Kathy Darnell presented a plan to convert the trailer court into 10 larger lots for single‑family homes and asked the board to split the cost of installing infrastructure for the redevelopment. The board approved a 50/50 split with the Economic Development grant capped at $100,000; the minutes note grant monies will be distributed as invoices are submitted.

The board set its next meeting for Monday, May 19, 2025. No timelines for construction or additional financing details were recorded in the minutes.