Group getting creative with how to develop Sunny Acres

By Robert Williams

Editor

The Vergas Economic Development Authority (EDA)/Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) discussed safety and parking issues at city property between Altona Square and Municipal Building Wednesday, July 10.

EDA/HRA President DuWayne Ditterich and owner of the Mercantile cited numerous safety issues he has witnessed since opening the store from cars speeding through the alleyway to nearly taking out the entrance doors of the Mercantile.

The spots also frequently attract overflow parking when Main Street is full.

Joy Summers proposed moving the parallel parking spots on the Mercantile side over to the liquor store side of the alley as a possible alleviation of the Mercantile’s entrance issues.

The area is heavily used with the liquor store entrance, grocery entrance and city’s municipal building attracting much of traffic to the area, which has limited parking spaces.

It was also noted that the spots have attracted loiterers and people visiting other businesses downtown.

Ditterich also brought up the space as an opportunity for a small retail building to be placed there to block off the alley and provide another storefront downtown where there is currently none available.

Secretary-Treasurer Julie Lammers has also received inquiries from interested parties looking to move their business to Vergas should more buildings be built downtown.

“The main thing is that it’s on the table,” Ditterich said.

The group agreed to continue the discussion at a later meeting.

Sunny Oaks

Upkeep at Sunny Oaks, the tax-forfeited properties near Eva Street and Dianne Avenue, is needed, specifically, mowing and rock removal.

Otter Tail County does pay the city $200/hour for mowing the three properties the county owns in the currently vacant area, according to Lammers.

Despite drawing interest from buyers, property sales continue to be limited by qualified buyer income limitations versus construction costs, according to Summers.

“There is interest there; the most interest I’ve had in there is a type of tiny house,” Summers said.

The group discussed the viability of tiny houses (less than 1,000-square feet) being built on the lots, given the current financial limitations on buyers: a household of four qualifying at $119,000 of household income. A household of two qualifies at approximately $107,000.

To qualify for bank financing, a couple or family needs to make at least $100,000, so essentially, anyone interested in a lot in the development has to somehow make more than $100,000, but less than $107,000 or $119,000.

Bruce Albright brought up a new option for the lots, in allowing recreational camping on an annual basis for rentals.

The land would have to be designated as a campground, but a storm shelter and bathrooms would need to be built, according to Lammers.

Assistant Treasurer Vanessa Perry liked the idea, but explained how the location is not ideal to potential campers and current residents. Perry also discussed the potential of seasonal park models being an option for the area.

Albright cited the City of Barnesville having created Wagner Park Campground on the edge of town near Whisky Creek that has been successful and is currently full.

Sunny Oaks is located in a similar position on the outskirts of Vergas to Wagner Park and Barnesville.

Another option that got a lot of support is creating a proactive homeowners association (HOA) or condo association as a solution that included smaller homes.

Condos, tiny homes and multi-family homes on the lots would also divide the $18,000 assessments on each lot for water and sewer.

The group greenlighted the idea of working out potential designs and relative costs for future discussion, along with gathering input from Otter Tail County Community Development Director Amy Baldwin.