Owatonna, Minnesota Development News

City Council Reviews Extensive Inventory of City-Owned Properties and Redevelopment Efforts

Troy Clecker presented an overview of city-owned properties, categorized by function: administration (law enforcement, fire hall, library), park and recreation (bulk of land, parks, trails, ball fields, many along the river), public works (city shop, sludge facility, right-of-way), stormwater ponds, airport (including clear space farmed out), Brooktree golf course, EDA/HRA properties (for redevelopment, new business, housing, and tax base growth), and municipal utilities (water tower, substations). He detailed the purpose of EDA/HRA properties in driving economic development and community improvement. Clecker also discussed the city's flood mitigation efforts, which involve purchasing properties in the floodplain from willing sellers using grant money (primarily DNR grants), prioritizing those most at risk. Various redevelopment projects were highlighted, including vacant downtown buildings needing repair, areas transitioning from residential to commercial, the Semstone site relocation, and potential housing projects. HRA properties include a gifted lot for development and houses designated for the new fire hall or potential roundabout at Maine and Lincoln. Parks are noted as a significant attraction for residents and a draw for people moving to the city.