Two developers eye AGC site; county looks at its own expansion needs - The Pilot Indep... Page 1 of 1
I T w o d e v e l o p e r s e y e A G C s i t e ; c o u n t y l o o k s a t its own expansion needs | by Gail DeBoer Staff writer
[email protected] ] Posted: Wednesday, January 16,2013 8:38 am Two developers are interested in buying parcels of land for projects at the former Ah-Gwah-Ching site near Walker, Economic Development Commission (EDC) Director Gail Leverson informed the Cass County Board Jan. 8. Russ Wood of Walker is interested in purchasing three parcels, separately or combined, to build "pre-assisted" senior housing (mostly duplexes and quadplexes) with services. The parcels are 4.5, 4 and 5 acres, respectively. Boser Construction, Inc., of Sauk Rapids, intends to buy up to five acres to build market rate multi -family housing. Boser proposes a single-story, 12-unit apartment complex with one, two and three bedroom apartments. Both projects are contingent on appraisals of the parcels involved; a Tax Increment Financing agreement with the city of Walker; and the county's willingness to sell. Leverson asked the board if it would fund an appraisal for about $ 1,500. Commissioner Jim Dowson replied that first, Cass County has to decide i f it wants to retain all or some of the property for the county's future expansion. Cass County acquired the acreage from the state for $1 after the state hospital closed and was demolished more than a decade ago. Despite the symbolic sale price, Cass County has about $250,000 invested in preparing the site for future development, including a possible health care campus and future expansion of county facilities such as the Law Enforcement Center and courts. " I f we sell, that investment is gone," Chief Financial Officer Larry Wolfe told the board. The net ' j proceeds, less costs for appraisals, would go to the state. Wolfe added that Cass also needs to do road alignments at the AGC site so it can record easements before any potential sale; and needs to record all sites where hazardous and controlled materials may be buried. "All that should be done before we discuss selling," he concluded. The board formed a committee to discuss Cass's future plans at AGC and the developers' proposals. Wolfe, County Administrator Bob Yochum, Highway Engineer Dave Enblom, Commissioner Jeff Peterson and Dowson, and two members of the EDC will report back at an upcoming board meeting.
http://www.walkermn.com/news/article_54508b4c-5fea-lle2-8997-001a4bcf887a.html7m...
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