Landlords in Albert Lea buy some of the properties that have not been kept in good condition and fix them to get rid of the blight problem. But for some reasons there have been no grants or low-interest loans available to landlords since the late ’80s or early ’90s. If the city is interested in solving the blight problem, they need to assist the landlords in acquiring the rehab funds. There are state and federal rehab grants available, but the city officials need to do a little bit of extra work and research to obtain them.

The city has decided that to apply for funds, it is the job of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, not the city planner. But isn’t it the job of the city planner to plan for the development of the city?

Is it time for a new city planner, since the one we have is only interested in one or two buildings in downtown. There is a need for a citywide planning and assisting of local property owners to better maintain properties and neighborhoods.

The city has decided to put extra financial burdens on those of us who are buying the properties to improve them and therefore increasing the tax base.

Marcia Ranum

Albert Lea