All 67 acres of new industrial park will be platted

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Although only 23-plus acres within New Ulm's new industrial park site is being developed right now, the New Ulm Economic Development Corporation is going ahead with platting the site's entire 67 acres, Economic Development Authority commissioners learned Tuesday.

Industrial Development Coordinator Brian Tohal, who also serves as the EDC's executive director, said the entire, 67-acre parcel that adjoins the city's west limits will be platted into 3- and 4 1/2-acre lots "to provide greater flexibility in meeting the needs" of firms that may want to locate there.

The EDC has asked the City Council to annex 23.18 acres that presently are being developed into the city. Tohal said the EDC doesn't have a time-line as yet for developing the remaining 43.82 acres but wanted to have the platting out of the way when it is developed.

Tohal also outlined EDC plans for nationwide marketing of the new industrial park. While the EDC has always had a marketing plan, this is the first time the corporation "will have gone national" with its advertising. Tohal said the corporation's website also is being revamped to make it easier for firms looking for a place to relocate to get the information they need.

Tohal then reviewed what is happening with the new JOBZ program.

"I've been contacting local firms to make sure they have all the information they need if they decide they want to take advantage of the tax-free benefits. I've also given Firmenich info about JOBZ," Tohal said.

Firmenich, which operates a plant now in New Ulm, has been considering whether to locate another plant in New Ulm or New Jersey. Tohal believes the new JOBZ program could swing the balance toward New Ulm.

Authority commissioners approved an agreement with Lori Furth, owner of Cornerstone Coffee, allowing her to lease the parking lot at 326 N. Broadway from April 1 to Oct. 31 at $50 a month for her "Little Perk" mobile coffee shop.

They also ratified new income limits for the Authority's Section 8 housing choice voucher and public housing programs. Income limits will be raised $100 to $19,550 for one person and $22,350 for two persons; $150 to $25,150 for three persons, $27,950 for four persons and $32,400 for six persons. The limit for five persons increases $200 to $30,200.