New Prague EDA debates role in housing, weighs spec buildings and a TIF to pay for industrial‑park trail

The New Prague Economic Development Authority voted unanimously to approve its consent agenda and spent most of its May meeting weighing whether the EDA should take a direct role in housing development or limit itself to project‑by‑project assistance.

Josh, the EDA director, framed housing as the “third leg” of economic development, saying businesses need workers and workers need places to live. He told the board the county is updating a housing study expected by year‑end and recommended the EDA focus first on identifying local housing needs and advertising opportunities rather than building housing directly.

Board members repeatedly said they were reluctant to act as developers or landlords. One committee member said the EDA could support first‑time buyer programs, reduce certain city fees for qualifying buyers, or act as a sponsor for state housing programs when opportunities arise, but should avoid speculative projects that require ongoing property management.

The meeting moved from housing policy to potential EDA‑owned spec buildings and incubators. Josh described options ranging from a single turnkey building to a full incubator; members raised concerns about staffing, building maintenance and subsidy risk. “It changes this from a monthly meeting into a part‑time or full‑time business,” one member said, arguing the EDA lacks the operational capacity for outright property management. Several members favored case‑by‑case, turnkey leases with options to buy rather than speculative construction.

Staff also briefed the board on a council discussion about forming a tax‑increment financing (TIF) district in the industrial park to fund a trail connection the EDA has pursued with grant applications. The trail was estimated at about $380,000 to connect the intersection of 6th and 21 to a half‑mile trail link; staff said the council directed further analysis and scheduled a public hearing in June for financial consultants to present details. Staff noted the EDA currently has reserves sufficient to cover the trail cost but that a TIF would preserve those funds for other uses.

On less contentious items, members discussed keeping the industrial‑park "for sale" signage in place until build‑out is further advanced and agreed there was no rush to change signs. The meeting closed after routine business and reports on permits and pending concept plans.

The EDA did not adopt any housing program or authorize speculative building at the meeting; the council‑level public hearing on a proposed TIF district is the next scheduled public step.