Lindstrom EDA loan program explained at breakfast session

The City of Lindstrom in conjunction with the EDA, held an informative meeting and breakfast January 14. The meeting was for building and business owners located in Lindstrom. City Administrator John Olinger addressed the audience to give an overview of the meeting. Olinger said the city (EDA) had purchased the Holmquist building recently and is beginning asbestos abatement this week. Olinger said the tear down will begin in February or early March to avoid road weight restrictions.

Alyssa Auten, site manager of the Folsom House in Taylors Falls, has a degree in architecture, and has been working on plans for the Lindstrom Muni. Auten told the audience there is a decorative brick beneath the outdated cedar shakes that currently side the building. Auten had a rendering of what the building could look like and plans for the rear of the building. Auten showed a drawing of the water tower (coffee pot) where the center pipe would be removed and a grass courtyard would be installed beneath the water tower. Adjacent to the courtyard, there would be a stone courtyard where bar patrons could gather.

Olinger then spoke about the loan program offered by Lindstrom. The program would encourage business owners and building owners to update the former rears of the buildings along west bound Highway 8. The loan can also be utilized for Eastbound businesses for any exterior (visible) improvements. Anything that is visible from the street, the loan can be used for. The loans are for $5,000 each and building owners will be charged a nominal one percent interest. Loan recipients can elect to have the loan assessed to their taxes which would come out to close to $50 per year for 10 years. Currently, the EDA has $30,000 set aside for the program. Because it is a loan from the city and it can be assessed on taxes, owners hire their own contractor.

Olinger also noted that Auten was available to help any loan recipient who would like a drawing to share with their contractor(s). Olinger then spoke about the removal of small electrical poles along west bound Highway 8. Olinger said the poles from Virga Chiropractic to Lindstrom Dental will be removed as well as at the bakery, the Muni, and Lindstrom Wheelhorse. Olinger said there is no cost to business owners for the removal or the hook up to the underground power distribution system. Olinger said this year one more statue on the east plaza will be installed as well as benches on both plazas. Olinger said there will be trees planted everywhere around town as well as planters completed.

Olinger said Lindstrom will be putting a paved trail on County Road 14 to Highway 8. Kiosks will also be installed this summer around town. Finally, there will be two weeks where 14 high school students will be doing community service in Lindstrom. Olinger said to please contact him if owners had a job for the kids to do.