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HRA says Brainerd Oaks, Serene Pines and Delmar Estates nearly built out after redevelopment of tax‑forfeited lots
Summary
Crow Wing County HRA reported most of three tax‑forfeited developments are sold or under construction, with roughly 112 lots conveyed and an estimated built-unit market value now exceeding $30.5 million, producing about $270,000 annually in property taxes. The HRA plans to add two outlots for 9 duplexes and seeks infrastructure grant funding to close a $280,000 gap.
Eric, a representative of the Crow Wing County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, told the Committee of the Whole that work begun as a county HRA initiative has transformed long-unused, tax‑forfeited lots into new housing in Brainerd.
"This project we've been working on since 2016," Eric said, and he reported that about 112 lots were conveyed to the HRA and redeveloped into single‑family homes and that the estimated market value of built units is "just over 30,500,000." He said those developments now generate roughly $270,000 per year in property taxes for local taxing jurisdictions.
The HRA plans to convey two additional outlots from the Brainerd HRA to Crow Wing County HRA to permit developer construction of nine duplexes (18 units) and a roadway easement to provide emergency access. Eric said the site has a wetland on the south end and that architecture and SWIP permitting are underway.
The HRA asked for roughly $170,000 from Minnesota Housing to fund infrastructure for the outlot project; Eric said the total infrastructure cost is about $450,000, leaving a funding gap the team is working to close through grants and developer investment. He told commissioners the developer is expected to purchase remaining lots by year end and that additional lots in Baxter have attracted new development interest.
Why it matters: converting tax‑forfeited parcels into occupied housing both expands the property‑tax base and returns formerly blighted parcels to productive use, but the county and developer still face infrastructure funding and permitting hurdles before the new duplexes break ground.
