Harrington news

Harrington Public

Development Authority

The Harrington PDA met September 15, with vice-president Allen Barth calling the meeting to order. Three members were present: Bunny Haugan, Jay Kane and Paul Charlton, along with visitors: Margie Hall of the Lincoln County Economic Development Council, Marge Womach, Amy and Blaine Foley, Tim Tipton and county commissioner Mark Stedman. Margie Hall explained to the visitors that the PDA is an arm of city government with its primary purpose being the development of business; the city has a team on the ground to aid businesses. PDAs do not have a revenue source.

Discussion of NoaNet was held, which was the huge project of making affordable broadband available to libraries, schools and medical facilities. In Harrington, it is available at the library. This affordable fiberoptic network is not easily affordable to the private citizen. Bob Iverson, Spectrum, has paid a large fee to have access, which he can sell in turn to others. The PDA discussed applying for a grant to provide wireless Internet access in the downtown business district without interference of overhead lines. Margie Hall stated that the PDA would meet the criteria but that she is not allowed to help write the grant, which ideally would be for equipment plus installation. If successful, this would be an asset to the local PDA, showing activity as well as an incentive for economic development for the town.

The topic of the status of the Landmark Apartments was directed to Mark Stedman, who as county commissioner had been asked in October of 2014 to aid the PDA in acquiring the building. Since February 2015, the focus has been obtaining the keys. Commissioner Stedman stated initially that the process didn't go anywhere. "We can't get keys until there is a new owner. Agency bureaucrats protecting their jobs can refuse to do anything."

Stedman said that 2½ years ago there was a man living in the Landmark Apartments as they were being closed. "I began doing research on the Lincoln County Housing Coalition then." It went from that group to Spokane Housing Venture who rented six apartments at low rates and two at full price, but they were never able to rent the two at full price. The Spokane Coalition couldn't make it work. The Lincoln County Coalition had no funds. Since the Lincoln County Coalition did not turn in proper paperwork, they became defunct.

In round numbers, the taxes due are about $3,500 and the city bill is about $600-$800. When Stedman's church body had its annual meeting, the question was posed "how do the Landmark Apartments get open again?" About six months ago, the Community Church (elders Stedman and Hamilton) offered to work with the Lincoln County Housing Coalition (Neils Peterson). In this last week, Stedman acknowledged that Peterson and Mr. Timm (as incorporation signers) had signed papers with a check from the church for $80 which was sent to the Secretary of State.

When asked, Stedman said that he could not remember if he had ever told Peterson that the PDA was interested in obtaining the apartments as a project. The PDA was informed that the USDA loan to the Lincoln Co Housing Coalition had been forgiven. Apparently the $80 was to fast track the coalition to a re-instated position in order for them to gift the apartments to a 501c3 charitable organization. Further inquiry revealed that the Harrington Community Church's elders committed to pay taxes, utility bills and all legal fees for the former Lincoln County Housing Coalition to transfer its ownership to a 501c3 with no strings attached in order that Harrington would have these apartments available for low-rent housing. The PDA will contact Niels Peterson to express interest in obtaining the apartments, since Stedman had apparently forgotten to relay that message.

Amy Foley will be moving the Rusty Lark from Hoob's building on north Third to the lower Third Street entrance of the Lincoln Hotel, owned by Jerry and Karen Allen. The Foleys have begun working at renovating that area for her shop. No date was given for a grand opening. Hoobs have sold Harrington Food Market and will work until November.

The Harrington Haus location has been at a standstill until very recently when work has again begun. The Dempseys had stated that they now have a clear title and anticipate opening this winter. The PDA will have its next meeting October 20.