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Nose for News 
Group: Members
Posts: 431
Joined: Feb. 2004
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2004,3:42 am |
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Albert Lea native and former Albert Lea city employee Craig Hoium doing a great job for our neighbors in Mower County.
Should this guy have been running our Albert Lea's Port Authority ?
Construction sways economic development
By Matt Merritt/Austin Daily Herald Feb 28 2004
Coming off a solid year for new construction, Austin is looking forward to a lot of economic development in 2004.
Last year, Austin had just under $30 million in new construction, slightly down from $34 million in 2002, but still a strong year, Community Development Director Craig Hoium said.
Housing was up, with 67 new homes constructed, seven more than the year before.
Hoium said that number is important, because an increase in housing often leads to more businesses in the area. Many companies contact his office inquiring about statistics such as those when deciding whether to locate in Austin, he said.
"One main thing they always want is a report of the new housing," he said.
More businesses mean more people with more houses, and the cycle starts all over again.
New and expanding businesses will be putting up buildings around town, and the majority of the activity will be focused in the northwest part of town in the Oak Park Mall area. Hoium is expecting a "really up-year."
Northwest Austin
Although details are not yet public, there will be a new Arby's restaurant going up near the Oak Park Mall next to Blockbuster video. Arby's representatives were unavailable for comment on the new store, but Hoium said permits will likely be filed at City Hall this Monday.
There is also a possible office development going in on Highway 218 near Collision Specialists, and the lot next to Culvers could see some development as well, Hoium said. While the property has not officially changed hands, there are "sold" signs on the lot.
More definite plans are in place for expansion of the Usem's car dealership in Austin to a lot off 17th Ave. NW. Dirt is already being moved in preparation for the expansion to a 20,000 square-foot building, housing the new and used car business as well as the body shop. Owner Tom Sherman's used car business, located at 1314 W. Oakland Ave., will move to the new site on March 1, while the rest of his business will stay downtown until the new building is finished. Where the used car business vacates, a national business will build. Walgreens is set to begin work on a 14,500 square-foot retail store in early March at the site.
Mower County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company recently received approval from the Austin Port Authority to purchase a lot near the Oak Park Village for a 1,700 square foot office building.
While the move is not an expansion for the company, it still represents an expanding tax base for Austin with new construction.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Forstner said the northwest side of Austin is developing so quickly because it is a high-traffic area. With Interstate 90, 4th Street and 18th Avenue on three sides, the area is traveled frequently.
As businesses build, it spurs further development, Forstner said.
"A cluster effect is a good thing when you get a number of stores like HyVee Foods, Target and the mall," he said.
Assisted living will see development as well, with Our House Assisted Living planning a new facility at 1401 15th Ave. NW with 24 units. Comforcare is also planning an over 100-unit building on the northeast side of town.
Downtown
Austin residents will soon hear about a proposal for sale of the old Silver Bullet building in downtown Austin. Hoium said he will present the proposal to the city council at a work session Tuesday. The building would be sold to a local business, he said.
Downtown could begin changing this year. Hoium will have a meeting with downtown business this spring to discuss the possibility of creating an historic preservation district. Owners could then volunteer to renovate their buildings and receive tax breaks while creating a new personality for the area. Guest speakers will be on hand to discuss both the pros and cons of such a district.
Hoium said an interesting environment is key to down town.
"I think it's important to have a uniqueness of the area to bring people there," he said.
Forstner said down town areas across the country create the identities of communities.
"Main streets are the real hearts of communities," he said. "It's the traditional gathering place, and it has historic appeal."
Austin's is doing quite well compared to other communities. There are few vacant buildings, and there is a strong service presence in the area, he said.
Hoium said the city is constantly working to improve the area. Examples of improvements in recent years are the street lights, the sidewalks and the flowers. He agreed that Austin compares well with other communities in that respect.
"You would find that Austin's down town area is very healthy compared to those other areas," he said.
City Projects
The Cook Farm site in northwest Austin will see some improvements this year on about 50 acres adjacent to Highway 218. The city council recently approved a $380,000 grant for development of the area. That money will be used for storm and sanitary sewer.
Because of requirements of the grant, the land cannot be used for retail or office space development in the future, but city officials hope some industry will be attracted to the area through the new JOBZ designation, which offers businesses tax breaks.
The city will also be working on the central garage project.
Forstner said a burst of new construction this year has him excited.
It is a sign of optimism in business people, he said, and could be very good for the local economy.
"I think that is just a great sign for Austin," he said. "A lot of people are making large investments in the community and property in town."
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DISCLAIMER
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Nose for News Is Pleased To Announce That We Have Absolutely No Affiliation Whatsoever With The Albert Lea Tribune Or Its Parent, Boone Publishing.
Like Other Minnesota/Iowa Residents, We Simply Endure Them.
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ICU812
Group: Super Administrators
Posts: 3244
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2004,7:33 am |
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He figured out that it was hard to soar like an eagle when he worked for a turkey.
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| Post Number: 3
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minnow fan
Group: Members
Posts: 198
Joined: Nov. 2003
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2004,9:41 am |
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| Quote (Nose for News @ Mar. 01 2004,3:42:am) | "Main streets are the real hearts of communities," he said. "It's the traditional gathering place, and it has historic appeal."
Austin's is doing quite well compared to other communities. There are few vacant buildings, and there is a strong service presence in the area, he said. |
What other cities (city) could he be refering to? Hummm...
67 new houses? Pretty sad when that is considered booming but in reality, that is 5 years worth of housing starts in Albert Lea!
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Even if you think the ALEDC is a good idea, do you really want to put Sparks and Bishop in charge of all the economic development in Albert Lea?
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| Post Number: 4
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minnow
Group: Members
Posts: 2243
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2004,9:48 am |
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Ya, well check it out. I'm shaking up da world!
I almost have Schwinns new owner convinced on making adult Sting-Rays...check it out! Remember when I was telling you all about it. I only wish I could spec my own "adult musclebike" and cash in on my great idea!
Check it out!
http://www.bicycleretailer.com/bicycle....0444940
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| Post Number: 5
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rosebudinal
Group: Members
Posts: 303
Joined: Aug. 2003
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Posted on: Mar. 01 2004,7:20 pm |
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I'd love to e-mail this article (re: Hoium) to a few of our area "leaders".
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