Economic Development Coordinator gives annual update
— Angie Steffen Laurel Advocate
LAUREL— Laurel has a lot to offer area residents and people considering a move to the community, Laurel Economic Development Coordinator Chris Rasmussen said during her Saturday evening talk at the annual chamber banquet.
Laurel conducts strategic planning meetings with help from resources like NPPD, NENEDD and the State Dept. of Economic Development. We get input from the community residents on things you would like to see changed or made better. A planning session was conducted in April with a good turnout.
“I think we all have a tendency to talk about what we don’t have. So, I thought it would be good to do an inventory of what we do have,’’ she said. “For a community that is not a county-seat, Laurel has much to offer....We have many good businesses that line our Highway 20 including a vehicle accessory manufacturing plant. We have a full downtown that includes a doctor’s office, pharmacy, chiropractor, dentist office and a great grocery store. We also have a flower shop and a restaurant/bar and grill with an upstairs living quarters.’’
“In the Hillcrest area, we have a physical therapy clinic, elderly housing, a nursing home that is a 36-bed skilled-care, five-star-rated facility that includes a wing with assisted living units. We have an industrial park with businesses that built new and there is room to grow.’’
Recreation assets that Rasmussen listed included a city pool with a water slide, nine-hole golf course, exceptional school sports facilities, disc-golf, walking trail, an organized and motivated rec board that provides soccer, softball, baseball, football, volleyball and basketball for local youth.
Housing opportunities are offered by two realtors. Norris and Galvin additions offer lots for new home building.
Rasmussen said the community is looking into senior living units which would offer independent living with the benefits of not being a homeowner. These units would also open up some houses for the housing market.
In July/August, our CRA Board purchased 110 acres of ground in the southeast part of Laurel, that runs along Highway 15, the Hillcrest Addition and Cedar View Golf Course.
“This was the opportunity of a lifetime for Laurel,’’ Rasmussen said. “This purchase has prompted a housing study, comprehensive plan and zoning study which will be starting in early February. There will be community surveys and meetings to get input....so please be watching for these to share your voice.”
Spring 2021 plans for the downtown revitalization project will include making sidewalks and streets safer and will give the downtown a new look. An engineer is being sought for this project. Plans will allow a contractor to be decided upon in the fall with construction beginning next spring.
