A prominent Winnebago businessman is leading the way to spur economic development in the city of nearly 1,400 residents.
Last July, City Administrator Judi Hynes announced during an Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting that the sale of the former JM Manufacturing building was “a done deal,” but did not reveal the buyer’s name.
At Wednesday’s EDA board meeting Hynes had an update and it was good news.
“The papers did finally get signed,” says Hynes. “He has a lot of his own ideas (on use of the buildings).”
Hynes was referring to Bob Weerts, the owner and president of Weerts Companies that includes Erosion Control Plus, Blue Valley Sod and Bedrock Ready Mix.
EDA board members speculated on possible uses Weerts might have for the JM property that has been vacant for nearly 20 years.
“We have basically been shut out of there. I really want to know what shape the main building is in,” says Hill. “Now that Bob owns it, I think he would be happy to let us go through there.”
The JM property consists of seven parcels of land that total nearly 35 acres and has three buildings.
Dave Schmidt, the city’s temporary EDA specialist, also had some good news regarding plans for the Winnebago school building that was sold to Samuel Prabhakar, president of PD Solutions of Rochester, for $105,000.
Schmidt says he and Weerts have discussed using the building for a technical school and a community center.
He says applying for a $500,000 grant from excess COVID monies would help fund the project if the application is approved.
“It’s going to be about $6.3 million that is available for southeast Minnesota. It’s going to be incredibly competitive. But, you don’t win if you don’t play.”
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Weerts is holding a community meeting at the school beginning at 10 a.m. to discuss possible uses for the building.