FAIRMONT– The Fairmont Economic Development Authority Board on Monday had a short but sweet meeting as Economic Development Coordinator, Ned Koppen, updated it on a number of projects that are in the works.

First, Koppen provided the board with an update on the Armstrong Drive development. Two individuals have purchased 13 acres in Fairmont Industrial Park with the intention of building industrial commercial units.

“Two weeks ago that went to city council for approval of the preliminary plat, final plat and their PUD (Planned Unit Development) and that was approved,” Koppen said.

Koppen said the project now moves to the step of creating a development agreement. He, along with other city staff, began working on it last week and have been in conversations with the developers and the city attorney.

“When we have that finalized, it will go to city council and when that’s approved, it will open it up for them to get started,” Koppen said.

Next, Koppen said that he and Mayor Lee Baarts had a request to meet with the new owner of the old Casey’s property at I-90 and Hwy 15. John Siggerud has plans to open Emerald Fire Farms, a retail cannabis store, in the space.

“He wanted to introduce himself and hit the ground running with being transparent about everything they want to do out there,” Koppen said.

He noted that while Siggerud is excited to get started, it could be a year before anything can be set in stone as far as what the business will look like, as it’s dependent on what the state decides. In the meantime, Koppen said he thought the owner might look at updating the building.

Finally, Koppen provided an update on the development of the lots at White Tail Ridge. He said the developer, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, a non-profit, has found a contractor. While Koppen said he was unsure when they would get started, it should be soon.

“That one is at least taking a step forward,” Koppen said.