Preston MN
Article by Cathy Enerson
Preston’s housing incentive programs rolled out this spring with the approval of five (5) housing incentives. Three housing applications were approved and will assist with housing rehabilitation projects in excess of $5,000 each. These projects will improve the homes and their overall energy consumption. The EDA collaborated with the Parks Department, Utilities, and a private business contribution from the Preston Golf Course to create the incentives. Two (2) existing home purchase incentives were also approved, welcoming residents into the community. The incentives provide funds to assist and reinforce shopping locally. Three (3) new construction incentives, in excess of $3,000 remain for 2012. In addition to working on housing incentives the EDA continues to prepare to purchase properties and remove dilapidated structures in a commercial area of Preston. The outcome will be rehabilitation along the Root River, highlighting the features of the Driftless area. The EDA supports the efforts to expand the National Trout Center from its current location to the redeveloped area along the Root River. Last month, Cathy Enerson of CEDA, assisted in providing details for a grant that was submitted by the City to the Minnesota Sam’s Lessard Legacy Fund for redevelopment of the Root River area within the City of Preston.