The City Council meeting on Monday, March 11 was relatively short this week. Two highlights from the Public Service Announcements include the transportation open houses for our community:
Public Open House: Upcoming Transportation Projects – Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Construction season starts soon! MnDOT, Wright & Sherburne Counties, and the City of Monticello are hosting a Public Open House at the Monticello Community Center on Tuesday, March 19 to highlight 2024 construction and planning projects, including:
Stop by the Monticello Community Center between 6-7 p.m. to learn more about the expected traffic impacts, detours, and project details.
There is no formal presentation, so you can focus on the projects that matter most to you.
MnDOT Open House for Hwy. 25: Buffalo to Monticello Project – Thursday, March 14, 2024
MnDOT is hosting a public meeting about Hwy. 25 improvements from Caitlin St. in Buffalo to Kjellberg Court in Monticello. The project is scheduled for 2026.
The public meeting will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the Wright County Highway Department, located at 3600 Braddock Ave. NE, in Buffalo. Individuals can meet with project staff, view designs, and ask questions.
Annual update from the Economic Development Manager
Council received an update from the Economic Development Manager, Jim Thares.
The Economic Development Department focuses on enhancing the economic strength and quality of life of a community. Their responsibilities include attracting new businesses and housing, helping retain and expand existing businesses, and encouraging redevelopment opportunities in key locations. Staff in the department work directly with the Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Industrial & Economic Development Committee (IEDC).
Relying on a variety of tools, incentives, and partnerships, the priorities for 2023 included:
- Downtown Redevelopment
- Industrial & Commercial Development
- Housing Development
- Labor Force Development
2023 Economic Development Highlights:
- 14 new development projects: 5 residential projects, 5 commercial projects, 3 industrial projects, and 1 mixed-use development for commercial and residential use.
- Housing Study completed
- Hotel Study completed
- Received two grants:
- $1,000 from the MN Business Finance Corporation (MBFC) for the EDA’s Hotel Study.
- $10,000 from the Initiative Foundation for future projects in the Downtown area.
- Promoted Monticello – including participating in a podcast!
You can view the full presentation on the City’s website in the Agenda Center or watch the recording online.
Council Approved the Demolition of 207 East River Street
Almost one year ago (April 2023) City Council approved the purchase of 207 East River Street after the owner approached the City. The property is right next to East Bridge Park and creates a better buffer between the park and residential neighborhood. It also provides future opportunities for a better Great River Trail Connection.
Last fall the city completed a hazardous materials assessment and confirmed the property contains asbestos and lead-based paints. Because of this, the best course of action is to remove the hazards, demolish the structures, and then restore the area with grading and an erosion control plan.
The removal of the hazardous materials will begin this spring (2024), with project completion expected this summer.