Affordable housing is one of the biggest obstacles to economic development in Cook County. Ask local employers about the housing challenges employees face.  Young families can’t afford to pay the prices for housing that seasonal residents and retirees can and do.  The 2006 study of housing in the county documents unmet demand for housing that’s affordable for people of modest means—like beginning teachers, tradespeople, retail managers and sheriff’s deputies—and for the harder problem of housing for low wage workers.  You can help move one solution forward.
 The Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) has an exciting project that could help address this need.  The Sawtooth Cottages development provides city roads, water and sewer to 37 new lots located above the business park on land donated by the county.  Iron Range Resources has provided a grant to help fund a water pumping station for the project.  Homes would be close to downtown but still in the forest with access to the Superior Hiking Trail.  A few would have Lake Superior views.
 The Northern Communities Land Trust, a non-profit based in Duluth, has done an outstanding job lining up $1.3 million in subsidies for 10 single family homes in this new neighborhood.  They will be 3-bedroom, 1-bath, one-car garage, two-story homes built to green community standards for energy efficiency with environmentally sound materials and passive solar heat. Buyers with household incomes between $31,650 (single person) to $59,650 (family of eight) will purchase a house that would otherwise cost about $230,000 for about $150,000 (prices are not final yet).  The land trust retains ownership of the land and leases it for $25 a month. A resale formula ensures that the homes remain affordable when they are sold in the future.  This is a long-term solution—the subsidies stay with the home and not the first buyer.  Call Sarah Hannigan at 218-727-5372 for information on a Northern Communities Land Trust home.
 The neighborhood will also offer about 27 market rate lots for housing (with no buyer income limits).  Selling two of these lots per year is needed to pay off the bonds to be sold to fund the public infrastructure. 
There is currently only one lot for sale in Grand Marais with full utilities. This scarcity drives up the price.  Rural lots require expensive driveways, well and septic systems and the cost of gas to commute further.  In-town home sites would attract and keep young families with children to keep our schools vital.  Construction of Land Trust homes and the public roads and utilities totaling over $3 million would help keep local tradespeople working during this housing recession. 
 The market rate lots will sell eventually, but the question is how fast in this time of tight credit and economic uncertainty.  In the five years before 2006, Grand Marais was averaging six to eight new single-family homes per year.  The housing study forecasts demand in the city for three to four new single-family homes a year for the next decade.  The whole community needs to step up and back the bonds if sales are slow for the next few years.  The whole community will benefit from the school enrollment; new workers and business owners; and the significant construction spending.
 Please express your support for Sawtooth Cottages to your county commissioner, city councilor and the mayor.  Ask them to vote for providing back-up funding if market rate lot sales are slower than two per year.  The stars are aligned for this project now.  Further delay would likely lead to the Land Trust losing its funding.  You can help make this great project happen; call our leaders, today!
Clyde Hanson
Lutsen

City attorney shouldn’t waste time

Recently the Grand Marais City Council asked its attorney Don Davison to provide an account of the time he spends on city business. I have a couple of questions.
Mr. Davison is a board member of the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA). Is that considered city business? Does he get paid by the city to be on that board?
Also, why does Davison have to be at every city council meeting? He is not a voting member of the board, so why does he need to be there? Wouldn’t it make more sense for the mayor and councilors to ask questions prior to the meeting and Davison could just answer in writing?
It is a waste of time and the city’s money to have Mr. Davison just sitting there waiting for a question.
Clyde Olson
Grand Marais

Help in search for lost cat appreciated

On August 14, 2008 I lost my precious cat, Tippy, in the Grand Marais area. To try to find her I contacted a veterinary hospital in Grand Marais as well as Animal Advocates and then placed ads in the Cook County Herald and the Cook County Star. The local radio station also alerted listeners about my missing cat.
Although Tippy has not been found, I want to thank everyone who tried to find her.
What an amazing effort for a little lost cat! I have talked to many people in your area and all of them have been so helpful. That kind of concern and empathy simply can’t be faked.
My grateful thanks to all of you.
Pat HeImberger
Grand Rapids, MN