Editorial: Farmland site is a call for city leadership
Published 12:00 am Thursday, October 10, 2002
It’s great news that the half-burned Farmland plant is finally going to come down, and every resident of Albert Lea will be able to take more pride in their community when the eyesore is finally removed. The work should begin this month.
But the most lasting significance of the deal that finally will allow the demolition will be the city’s possession of the huge site where the old plant stands. With its location on Main Street, between Albert Lea and Fountain lakes and right outside of downtown, this piece of real estate can have an enormous impact on the city’s future.
The city is rightly not keen on the idea of establishing new industrial properties there; with three other industrial parks having been built since the packing plant was built, it’s no longer necessary for industry to be located in the middle of town. City Manager Paul Sparks also believes residential properties are out of the question because of the pollution on the site.
Just about anything else, however, is within the realm of possibility. From conference centers and hotels to park land to recreational attractions, officials and candidates have pitched many ideas already.
There are many questions to answer about this development before any ideas can become reality. What relationship will the site have with Albert Lea Lake, and to what extent do efforts to develop the site rely on making that lake more friendly to recreational use? What incentives would developers have to build a conference center, or a water park, or some other large development? What input will the community have in deciding a course of action?
This is a job for our elected city leaders. A new mayor will be taking the reins next year, and whether it’s Mark Anderson or Jean Eaton, providing solid and unwavering leadership on this issue will be the new mayor’s first and probably most important challenge in office. The city council, whether it remains stocked with veterans or features one or more new members after the election, must also demonstrate leadership, creativity and open minds in moving the community toward an acceptable use for the site. That means communicating with the public and guiding the city to a plan that it can accept.
This opportunity is could prove to be a turning point in the city’s history. At this time, more than ever, Albert Lea needs elected leaders who will work together, find answers to the tough questions and lead us in the right direction.