Zoning change, city expansion talks continue

By Robert Williams

Editor

Community and Economic Development Associates’ (CEDA) Community and Business Development Specialist Jordan Grossman discussed a first impressions report done for the Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) during the group’s monthly meeting Wednesday, June 5.

The report includes information on assets and opportunities as observed by an objective, first time visitor. Topics range from demographics, workforce analysis, residents in and outflow to or from town for work to housing, education, recreation and others.

The EDA/HRA is working with CEDA for a business retention and expansion plan and the report is a starting point for that plan.

Funding sources for current or new businesses were discussed, i.e. a revolving loan fund from the city versus business loans from banks. The EDA does have other options for revolving funds through Otter Tail County. Grossman noted there are less contingencies when using local dollars, along with potential fund matches from CEDA or the federal government.

“The opportunity of keeping it that local is really exciting,” said EDA/HRA member Joy Summers. “It’s empowering to think we can have that type of help for our community.”

Grossman has also surveyed local businesses on their needs, as well. She has received answers from 14 of 22 businesses surveyed.

“It seems like advertising and marketing might be something every business needs,” Grossman said.

Funding signage for local businesses was also discussed.

The summary of Grossman’s report stated: The City of Vergas located in Otter Tail County has many amenities and resources. It has significant opportunity for potential projects that could benefit residents and businesses. With some attention given to the zoning map and housing development opportunities, it could be an even more appealing location for a new business or home for new residents. The city parks are incredible assets that the city can use for marketing content.

Grossman’s efforts are ongoing and will be updated at the July meeting.

Housing and Economic Goals

The EDA/HRA began contacting owners of adjacent properties to town to discuss the future of that land. Those conversations are introductory and based on fact gathering. One area of discussion is the area near County Roads 4 and 35.

The area has plenty of challenges from gravel work that has been completed by Mark’s Sand and Gravel.

Group members also discussed other areas of town, which would allow Vergas to expand, but for the most part, landowners are not willing to sell. Annexation to expand was a topic, along with being flexible on zoning to allow for future growth.

The largest option of potential city expansion exists in city limits, specifically, the ballpark area. 

Board members expressed an interest in looking at future development there if the land was available.

Zoning Map

The board has been examining current zoning and future zoning changes since the beginning of the year. 

“We would like anything that is commercial that has a conditional use—I think that we should make the recommendation that yes, it should be commercial being it’s being used as commercial,” said EDA/HRA Chair DuWayne Ditterich. “It gets on the books and lets them be a commercial property.”

Some examples are portions of Skål, J&K Marine and the corner of 4 & 35, which is a potential site for storage condos.