MEDC: Prime space, commercial kitchen available

Andy Long delivers a monthly report to the Red Willow County Commissioners on Monday.

Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Andy Long, director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., delivered a quarterly report, Monday, telling Red Willow County commissioners at their weekly meeting Monday morning that, while office space at the Keystone Business Center in downtown McCook is occupied, what is available is wonderful ground-floor space with a commercial kitchen.

He said that the recruitment firm "Retail Strategies" is looking for possible matches for McCook in the fast food/fast casual, truck stop and clothing industries.

Long said that desirable areas appear to be along Highway 6&34 from Norris Avenue west and on Highway 83 north to J Street.

As far as housing is concerned, Long said he's finalizing a downpayment assistance program; and that he envisions housing development opportunities using a revolving loan fund created in a cooperative agreement between McCook, Benkelman and Cambridge and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Long said, too, that Parker Hannifin is looking at the addition of new product lines at its McCook plant, and its expanded workforce will be looking for housing in McCook.