Housing project looking at trailer site

At the Sept. 27 Staples Economic Development Authority (SEDA) meeting, Economic Development Director Melissa Radermacher said she is working with the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership to develop an affordable housing townhome project in Staples. 

Radermacher said one target area they are looking at is the trailer park near the north side of the overpass. If the project is approved, all the trailers would be removed and townhomes built. She is also working with a developer for an upscale housing project but no location has been determined yet.

Radermacher said she is talking to possible anchor tenants on re-opening the Batcher Building. She said the Prairie Bay restaurant is one business looking at the building.

Construction delays

City Administrator Jerel Nelsen told the SEDA that the hotel groundwork is ready to build on but there is a major backlog in the building industry because the state plumbing inspectors can take up to six weeks to get their review done before the plumbing can be covered up.

SEDA Board member Tim Rice, and Lakewood Health System CEO, said Lakewood is ready to start their construction project but they also have concerns about getting the inspections done on time.