After thoughtful consideration, we are writing this letter to provide facts and clarification in regard to the controversy over allowing a new retail business, namely Dollar General, into Grand Marais. In addition, we’d like to point out some factual demographic information that anyone can research and confirm.
My husband and I were approached by a corporation wishing to purchase a piece of property in our possession that they planned to develop into a Dollar General retail store. They offered us what we thought was a fair price. In November 2015 we signed a purchase agreement with the corporation, which listed several contingencies, one of which had to do with obtaining the proper permits to build a 9,000-square-foot building. They did their homework and studied the existing zoning ordinances in the commercial/industrial area and believed they had a viable business opportunity in Grand Marais.
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the Grand Marais City Council, in response to some negative public opinion, hastily passed an “interim ordinance” prohibiting any retail building over 5,000 square feet in areas east and west of downtown Grand Marais. This effectively blocked the developers’ plans and the purchase agreement was terminated.
It was not their fault, nor ours, that city ordinances had not been updated in 45 years. Dollar General should not have been attacked. Instead, the people of Grand Marais should be questioning why zoning ordinances had not been updated to reflect what the future development of Grand Marais should consist of, in order to provide for the general welfare of its population. In addition, a well-designed plan would have avoided any arbitrary exercise of government power.
Grand Marais recently won acclaim for being the “Coolest Small Town,” and an argument was made that Dollar General would jeopardize that prestigious status. Grand Marais may look “cool,” but economically it’s hurting. Here are a few not so “cool” statistics.
Our town has had zero population growth over the years 2000-2013, and a median resident age more than a decade older than the rest of Minnesota. Our median household income is $20,000 below that of the rest of Minnesota, while our median home value is $30,000 more. To sum this up, our population is aging without being replenished, and those working cannot afford to buy a house.
The people of Grand Marais should be questioning the wisdom of denying any new business the opportunity to contribute to this challenged economy. Our survival may just depend on it.
Sandi and Brad Rude
Grand Marais
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