At a working session with the Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Oct. 28, the Babbitt city council identified young families as a key priority for upcoming housing development.
According to a recent CEDA survey, Babbitt’s average age sits at 54, a decade and a half older than the statewide average of 39. Fewer families live locally than in the past.
“I think we’re really hurting. If we could have apartments, we could get some younger families,” said council member Joe White, “That would also help boost our school, we could get a few more kids in our classes.”
This objective sets affordable housing high on the focus list for the West Babbitt Development.
“One of our biggest priorities has to be finding an investor or developer to build multi-family homes and affordable workforce housing, and possibly senior housing,” said council member Duane Lossing.
The city has already committed to hosting multi-family homes on 19 lots within the development. Council member Jim Lassi said construction could begin next spring.
Housing needs weave inextricably with economic development. Greater housing opportunities bring in a larger workforce, while a healthy business economy attracts visitors whose cash flows back to the community.
“We’re looking for some people that can move in here and fill the jobs to keep our existing businesses sustained, and hopefully grow businesses,” Lossing said.
CEDA’s survey revealed the establishment of a coffee shop and/or bakery as a top priority for locals, somewhere to gather and build community ties. A pharmacy also arose as a highly-requested service.
CEDA representatives additionally advised the council to notice the opportunities right in Babbitt’s backyard and to build upon existing offerings.
“We haven’t put a lot of stress on showcasing the local businesses and events going on, which I think we need to do,” said city administrator Kirsten Traut.
The council bounced ideas off the wall with CEDA, including the possible development of a webpage detailing resources for potential entrepreneurs, or facilitating community business events.
To support existing events, possibilities ranged from bringing in food trucks to boost ATV gatherings and collaboration with Embarrass Township to host a craft fair.
New opportunities could include anything from a folk music festival to northern lights viewing or increasing breakfast opportunities for Blueberry Festival vendors who prefer Babbitt’s overnight amenities.
“We need to stop and try to identify who we want to be, who we are, what we are and what we have to offer,” Lossing said.
Much of those offerings circle back to Babbitt’s outdoor scene.
“Snowmobiling and ATV trails have been huge in our area. We are a destination area and our trail network is endless. It’s probably the best in the state,” Lossing said.
“We are closer to the Boundary Waters in Babbitt (than Ely) and I think we need to find a way to advertise that,” White said, “Anywhere in Birch Lake, you can get into the Boundary Waters.”
The challenge for the city will be to get the word out to prospective visitors, homeowners and entrepreneurs. Advertising options could materialize as an out-of-region billboard, a feature in an outdoor publication, signage or the creation of brochures.
Throughout the process, CEDA will assist the city by providing planning support, grant suggestions, and other guidance.
CEDA will host another working session virtually in December, followed by a draft plan review in January and a presentation of the finalized development plan in February.
