The Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority (CHEDA) held a special meeting on Tuesday at Valley Technology Park and discussed economic development, grant programs, and budget updates.
The meeting began with a public hearing regarding CHEDA’s five-year capital fund program action plan. This five-year plan includes capital improvements to Oak Court public housing. The upgrades include lighting, stairway renovations, countertops, cabinets, electrical, and window installations.
CHEDA currently has $655,900 in the capital fund for Oak Court to spend on these improvements through 2027. No individuals were present for the public hearing, and the board ultimately approved the work statements (capital fund expenditures) through 2027.
The board discussed economic development reports, which began with Washington School updates, and it was explained that the city is working on acquiring that property. The committee believes if they can utilize this property, it could potentially be used for a childcare space.“The EDA is looking for the best ways to utilize the space,” said Project Coordinator Kayla Hanson. “Currently, we all know there is a child care crisis within the community. With the childcare service that is already in there, we are hoping to utilize the Washington school to expand that childcare center and hopefully double its capacity.”
Hanson also gave updates on the Diocese property and that CHEDA is looking for funding for demolition of the building. The Diocese property is currently for sale, and CHEDA is looking to use this property. “There are no hard set plans right now, but Diocese has come to the EDA,” said Hanson. “They’ve essentially been brainstorming various ways of using the property, whether it means developing property down the road or if there is a single buyer that comes around.” If the property were to be developed, CHEDA would want to demolish the current structure.
CHEDA is applying for $1.2 million from the state from the Small Cities Development Grant fund. This funding would primarily be for the Ward 4 and the Sampson addition for residential homeowners and also within the historical district (downtown buildings) for commercial homeowners. The money can also be disbursed to both commercial and residential properties. “We’re looking for funding to help rehabilitate those structures,” said Hanson. “We want to keep the historical districts downtown intact as best as we can and hopefully continue to move forward with keeping our homes within the community.”
Lastly, Hanson informed the board of the current status of the storefront revitalization program. As of Tuesday, they have received 30 grant applications, eight have been approved, and five businesses have completed work at their respective buildings.
The board discussed the Safe Routes to Schools Grant. The city will apply for $1 million. The city has recently hired Molly Stewart to write the grant, which is scheduled to be submitted in the spring of 2024.
The board reviewed the preliminary budget and saw the total budget of $2.1 million, which is an increase of approximately $50,000 from the 2023 budget. “It’s typically the increase from our operating subsidy; we’ll also be increasing our rents at Oak Court,” said Housing Director Theresa Tahran. “We’ll also increase the salaries normally by two percent we also took into account our different updates from our capital funds, and increase in vouchers, and from section 8 our payments have increased.”
CHEDA is promoting a property classified as one of their “workforce homes” at 1410 Eickhoff Boulevard, which has seen multiple improvements. The improvements include window installation, plumbing, and new heating. This is a three-bedroom home measuring approximately 1,392 square feet, including a 720-square-foot garage. If anybody is interested in this property, contact the Crookston EDA at 218-470-2000. “This is estimated right around $361,000 as we go through the project increases and all of the cabinets and flooring starts to add up,” said Tahran, “But we are trying to keep it down as much as we can, but we are upgrading things like flooring, countertops, and doors.”
The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the recent special meetings from October 20, October 24, November 7, November 20, and November 22. It also approved bills and disbursements from October in the amount of $136,837.54.
