Menu
MEDC updates council on housing, other activities
McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook Economic Development Corp. is working with a local real estate agent for a new home at West Ninth and Q.
A $405,000 housing grant was awarded to McCook, Benkelman and Cambridge, Neb. MEDC put up $20,000 in matching funds that pay for construction site preparation at the McCook location.
The first Wardcraft modular home was completed in Benkelman and is up for sale; the second has been delivered to the McCook location and the third will be in Cambridge.
Charlie McPherson, MEDC executive director, said there is still several weeks’ worth of work to complete on the home in McCook, such as constructing the garage and the porch and completing the HVAC and siding. The basement and foundation were completed beforehand.
A contract has been signed with a local real estate agent for the sale of the home. The agent is an MEDC board member and won’t charge a full commission, instead of donating it as an in-kind donation, McPherson said.
McPherson and Sean Wolfe, MEDC treasurer, gave an update to the McCook City Council Monday night at a public hearing on activities/expenses of MEDC programs. Other programs mentioned included:
— Early Childhood Education, new provider scholarship and start-up funds, $21,150: This program is on its third year of funding and has been very successful, with more than 100 new childcare spots being created. A local daycare recently expanded to a second location and area providers are being asked on surveys what has been the most impactful for them.
— Housing study, $12,240: a complete report from the recent housing study will be available the first of July, McPherson said. Preliminary results identified that 200 new homes/rentals are needed in the area. The MEDC received a $5,760 grant from NIFA (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority) to assist with the housing study.
— Retail Strategies, $30,000: This is the fourth year of MEDC’s contract with Retail Strategies, a retail recruitment company. Available retail availability and space have been challenging and they are currently working with landowners and commercial property owners about this. Representatives from Retail Strategies will be in McCook in July.