It has become common knowledge that a major issue facing Lake County, the State of Minnesota and in fact, the entire United States, is a serious lack of affordable housing.
Thankfully, local officials are taking steps to address that issue.
Tom Furman, Director of the Two Harbors Housing and Redevelopment Authority was on hand at the Lake County Board of Commissioners meeting last week to talk to Commissioners about plans that are under development for the construction of three to four affordable, single family homes in Two Harbors. While details of the plan are still on the drawing board, Furman stated that the effort will hopefully serve to create an affordable housing model that can be expanded on in the future. There are a number of hurdles that need to be negotiated before the project can get underway, but the hope is to begin construction in the Spring of 2024 and to start housing residents in 2025. Stay tuned for further information on this effort.
County officials continue to be in contact with State legislators to make them aware of funding needs for Lake County. Representative Pete Stauber and other elected officials from the area have agreed to work on legislation that will help provide financial support for local projects.
The issue of short term vacation rentals was also on last week’s agenda. County administrators will be working to craft language for an ordinance that will clarify the rules around vacation rentals and a hearing on this topic will be scheduled soon.
Christine McCarthy, Environmental Services Director, updated the Board of Commissioners on work that is being done to plan for the Landfill Expansion Construction Project. McCarthy indicated that increased composting and recycling efforts are necessary to help reduce the overall amount of trash that is produced in the County. She stated that a feasibility study should be done for the project that includes best practices for composting and recycling so that when the project is completed, it adequately meets the requirements of the State and County.
The County Commissioners will be holding Action Meetings on (March 14th and) March 28th in the Split Rock River Room, from 2:00 to 4:00PM.
