Continued from page 10
members, CentraCare, the United Way and the City of St. Cloud, met for its second meeting January 8th to discuss average take home pay and housing affordability statistics for our area, and the potential for building single family homes that can fit the needs and incomes of households making approximately $50,000 per year (workforce housing). Ted Schmid and Jack Brandes of Lumber One presented designs of homes that could be built for a price point that, with help from the City of St. Cloud waiving development and building fees, and down-payment support from employers, would provide affordable workforce houses. Schmid noted the potential for building and making available as many as 40 of these homes in 2020. CMBA builders and remodelers are also involved in discussions about how to meet the local need for more affordable housing at lower income levels. The CMBA Remodelers Council will learn more about and discuss these efforts at their March 5th meeting.
new R-5 (multi-family) development in the city.
Sartell Future Land Use Planning Update
Benton County studies development code changes
The City of Sartell has held a series of focus group sessions as it begins reviewing and updating its Future Land Use Planning. Focus groups have included builders and developers, and real estate agents. Sartell’s Future Land Use Planning update is expected to "influence the evaluation of" the current R-5 zoning district and how it fits into future land use plans. Sartell currently has a moratorium on
Sartell begins review of Shoreland Ordinances Sartell has also started a review/audit of its Shoreland Ordinances pursuant to Minnesota Shoreland Rules (6120). Findings will be shared with the city’s Planning Commission. St. Cloud Doubles Downtown Parking Fees On-street meters will double from 50 cents an hour to $1 an hour, daily parking ramp spots will go up from 80 cents to $1 an hour, and average monthly costs of parking ramp spaces will go up 10 percent from their average $700/year reservation costs. CMBA testified against the increases at the St. Cloud City Council’s January 6th public hearing on the matter.
The Benton County Planning Commission met January 23rd for a workshop about recent changes in its Development Code impacting areas outside Steve Gottwalt, Government Affairs of city limits. CMBA engaged members in reviewing the changes and Consultant is keeping a close eye on the process.
Please consider participating in the First Lincoln Elementary Career Day on February 28 th from 8 –9 am There will be three 20 minute sessions that will include approximately 20-25 students per session. This is the perfect opportunity to provide these students with an inside view of possible careers within the CMBA industry. Providing this information with our youth – even our youngest – is so valuable as they explore potential careers that may interest them for the future. Career Day is an opportunity to inspire our student to think about the future possibilities and the importance of their education. Speakers are industry professionals who are interested in introducing our youth to different trades and professions. If you are able to participate or have questions on the event, email Alicia Schlangen - Alicia.schlangen@isd742.org
Fri day 12-7 pm , soft open 9am Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 10am–4pm
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE Gold Sponsors
27 Spring Tour Homes February 28, 29, March 1 & March 6, 7 & 8
19
