EDA NEWS AND NOTES
Here is a summary and the latest news on various projects & initiatives the EDA is
currently working on. Check back often for project updates!
Cenex Site Redevelopment
Project Summary: The Hutchinson EDA is working with Cenex Co-op on the demolition and clean-up of their old fertilizer plant site on 3rd Avenue. Once the property is cleaned up ownership will transfer to the EDA, which will then seek new development for that site.
Latest News: 12 April 2010
• Monitoring wells have now been installed by Braun Intertec. These wells will be in place for approximately six months, but could be in as long as twelve months. The site has been given an “all clear” environmentally; these wells will just be in place to track movement of any remaining underground contaminants.
• The four old buildings have been demolished and contaminated soils have been removed.
• The site has been graded, seeded and will be mowed this summer.
• NEXT STEPS:
° Project is essentially complete. A short length of paved trail will be added between the existing Luce Line trail and Lind Street, probably towards the fall. The EDA is looking for a project for the site.
County EDA
Project Summary: The Hutchinson EDA is spearheading an effort to establish a county economic development organization. Over 40 Minnesota counties already have county-wide economic development organizations, including 5 of the 6 counties surrounding McLeod County.
Latest News:12 April 2010
Thus far:
EDA Exploratory Committee met on February 4th and finalized an enabling resolution, program of work, EDA director job description and budget for the County EDA
• EDA Exploratory Committee met on February 4th and finalized an enabling resolution, program of work, EDA director job description and budget for the County EDA.
• NEXT STEPS:
° Another workshop with McLeod County Board in May or June
Business Retention & Expansion Program
Summary: EDA staff routinely visits our existing business base to 1) Communicate our appreciation for all they do for the city; 2) Identify and help with any issues that the company may be struggling with; and 3) Identify any potential for business expansion.
Latest News: 12 April 2010
• For 2009 the EDA partnered with the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewater College to conduct a detailed “business census” of about 40 area manufacturers. Data has been constructed into a report and sent out to participants in April 2010.
• NEXT STEPS:
° The EDA is initiating its 2010 BR&E program with a goal of visiting 17 businesses. Two have been visited thus far.
Downtown Gateway
Project Summary: As part of our efforts to revitalize the downtown, the Hutchinson EDA is looking at developing the site of the old pet clinic (right across from Wells Fargo Bank) as a “gateway” of sorts to the downtown area. Ultimately we’d like to have a public restroom available, put in an informational kiosk and do a significant public art project on the site. This project is being spearheaded by the Hutchinson Downtown Association.
Latest News: 12 April 2010
• A site plan for the gateway has been drawn up.
• A private party is funding the painting of a large-scale wall mural that will be placed on the north side of the pawn shop building. Hutchinson native Lance Albers is the artist.
• NEXT STEPS:
° The mural should be going up in late spring of 2010.
Industrial Park Expansion
Project Summary: With the recruitment of Warrior Mfg. and Customer Elation, the City of Hutchinson was essentially out of industrial park space. We needed to get new industrial park space ready to go so that we can continue to recruit new companies to the city and expand our economic base.
Latest News: 12 April 2010
• The city has purchased 73 acres from Mr. Marvin Hackbarth for the industrial park expansion. This property is located just east of the existing industrial park between the Luce Line Trail and 5th Avenue SE. The property has been annexed to the city and is in the process of being rezoned.
• Phase I of the infrastructure work (essentially all underground utilities, site grading, and storm water ponds) was completed last fall.
• To help fund the project the city obtained a $250,000 grant from the State of Minnesota and a $950,000 grant from the Federal government.
• NEXT STEPS:
° Construction of city streets will start around mid-April and should be complete by the 1st of August.
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