I read in disbelief the headline stating the City OKs purchase for West Highway 61 property.
The city already owns the Cedar Grove Business Park! It owns close to 30 lots. Surely one or two of those would work as a storage facility location. What were the city councilors thinking? Or were they?
The city says about its Cedar Grove Business Park, “The least expensive commercial lots near the shore in Cook County. Convenient location on the edge of Grand Marais, just two blocks off Highway 61 on the new Gunflint Trail. Easy access to each lot on paved streets. Full infrastructure in place. Sewer, water, electricity and telephone connections to each lot.” (Source: ProsperityNorth.com)
So the city already owns the least expensive commercial lots in Cook County yet it purchased land for a storage facility. Why?
The city is considering $250,000 for 6 acres on Highway 61 while 3-acre lots are listed for $50,000 in the city’s Cedar Grove Business Park. That is $100,000 for 6 acres compared to $250,000 for 6 acres. Land they already own and developed at half the selling price. What am I missing?
City Administrator Mike Roth and Councilor Tracy Benson are concerned about environmental hazards and assessments. Why didn’t the city choose to use its own business park, already developed and approved for commercial use with no surprises and unexpected expenses.
“Council has been looking for a place to build a new storage facility in order to remove the garages….” They were? Why, when they already own land designated for this?
The City of Grand Marais should use the Cedar Grove Business Park as the foundation piece for its long-range plans for administration and storage buildings. At half the cost, why didn’t the councilors use assets they already have?
I am amazed that the city council would spend $250,000 to purchase 6 acres when they already own the business park. I am flabbergasted the city council would place a government owned, non-taxed, storage building on a highly visible, tax paying, piece of commercial property. What were they thinking?
Val Littfin
Grand Marais
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