NU Diocese ready to sell residential lots

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Bishop Raymond Lucker is excited about housing expansion near the Catholic Pastoral Center.

His voice is filled with energy and enthusiasm when he discusses development projects in the North Highland area of town.

"It's such a new thing for us," Lucker said Wednesday. "Within the week, we're ready to go."

The Diocese is preparing to sell about 30 lots on a new three-street expansion, north of the Catholic Pastoral Center. Utilities have been extended to those lots, so housing could begin soon.

The official plat was signed last week, Lucker said. The Diocese can now begin putting lots on the market.

"We're open to anybody who is interested in the lots," Lucker said.

About 15 individuals or families have previously inquired about lots.

"My guess is, once we start (selling lots), there will be others that follow."

While the Diocese has not yet completed a sale on any lots, Lucker said some interested buyers have plans to begin construction later this fall.

Selling real estate is a new venture for the Diocese. It has not been unusual for it to inherit land from estates and then sell the property to help fund the ministry. In past years, the Diocese usually sold land immediately unless a church use was planned for the property.

"Our policy is to not own property unless it is for church purposes," Lucker said. "We do not want to be landowners."

He added: "We never would have done this if there hadn't been a call for more housing."

The Diocese purchased about 90 acres adjacent to the pastoral center in the early 1960s, with the intention of someday using the space for a junior college, a Catholic high school or perhaps another parish.

However, when city officials approached the church about housing possibilities in the area, Lucker said he couldn't say no.

"We want to be good citizens," Lucker said. "There has been a great deal of interest in New Ulm to find new housing."

At about the same time, city officials drew up plans to extend North Highland to Highway 14. The Diocese then agreed to turn over four acres of land to the city for the roadway.

The lots vary in size. Lucker said this arrangement was done purposely to create a variety of possible homes to be built, from modest houses to more expensive homes.

"We thought it would be good to have a mix," he said.

With the help of city officials and a private community development company, the Diocese is ready to begin selling the lots.

"At this point, we're handling marketing and sales ourselves," Lucker said.

There are still a number of possibilities for the remaining 70 acres of undeveloped land the Diocese owns. Lucker said the Diocese still may open a new parish in the future, depending on future growth in New Ulm. If the 30 lots sell quickly, the Diocese might look at more housing developments.

"We'll use this first part to show us what the needs are of New Ulm," Lucker said. "If there is further demand for further development, we will be open to it."

The city extended North Highland about 1,800 feet this year from Highway 27 to Oak Street. City officials said they plan piecemeal expansion of North Highland each year, depending on funds available.

The North Highland area of town, with 457 acres and room for 700 lots, is considered to be the best place for future expansion in town, said New Ulm Planning Director Dave Schnobrich.