Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) Housing Coordinator Nancy Grabko reported on the status of the latest Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Small Cities Development Program grant at the October 22, 2013 county board meeting. The report was given during a public hearing required under conditions of the grant. Four commercial properties and four homes were rehabbed with $291,000 in funding in the current grant cycle.
Grabko responded to three concerns that had been expressed about the administration of the grant. The first was about contractors chosen for the work. Grabko said that contractors must have licenses, insurance, and references and be registered with her office. Her office cannot endorse one contractor over another – they are chosen by the property owner.
The second concern was regarding how well the EDA’s housing program partners with other agencies. In regard to accusations that she wasn’t working cooperatively with AEOA, she said, “…That couldn’t be farther from the truth. …Our goals are mutual. …We’re all committed to delivering the best program possible. …Our relationship with AEOA and the Duluth Housing Consortium is good.”
Grabko said the housing workshop held in Lutsen in September would now be an annual event. It involved presentations from several different organizations including the EDA and AEOA.
The third concern regarded why Grand Marais has been the focus of a lot of the rehab projects instead of the outlying communities. Grabko said the DEED grant requires that a certain level of need be demonstrated in a specific target area. Because of the sparse population, her office has not been able to demonstrate enough need in outlying areas.
Of 349 surveys sent out to West End residents this fall, the housing office received 48 responses, and only 17 of those were requesting help with funding for rehab projects.
Grabko said they are looking at requesting $500,000- 600,000 for rehabbing seven houses and five businesses in the next grant cycle.
Interim use permit re-approvals
The board approved two two-year interim use permits (IUPs) allowing recreational vehicles (RVs) to be used as living quarters. Both followed temporary RV permits that had expired.
In a report on an October 9 hearing at which the planning commission approved the requests, Planning & Zoning Administrator Bill Lane wrote, “Extending the use of an RV has been the most frequent application of the interim use permit. Invariably, its need arises because of delays in build-out plans and invariably, economics are deemed the reason for those delays. Regardless of permitting, the focus of the OPZ [Office of Planning & Zoning] for the continuing use of RVs on properties will be directed toward encouraging the construction of a permanent residence and conformity with Minnesota Rule 7080 and Cook County septic requirements.”
Commissioner Sue Hakes said she did not like IUPs being renewed because they are supposed to be temporary. “I’m really uncomfortable with us moving forward on all these permits without a plan,” she said.
Longer-term use would require a conditional use permit (CUP), Director Tim Nelson said, but CUPs do not have ending dates. He pointed out that the IUPs result in frequent and repeated reviews.
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