City considers expansion of industrial park

By Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

The New Prague Planning and Zoning Commission had its first look at three concept plans for a proposed expansion of the city's industrial park at its Wednesday, May 25, meeting.

Planning Director Ken Ondich explained the work was done through a Technical Assistance Planning Grant the city received from the Scott County Community Development Agency. The New Prague Economic Development Authority will also see the concept plans. Ondich noted the majority of the current Wally Miller Business Park is full.

The area proposed is about 103 acres and is located north of the current business park and the Raven Stream development. Randy Kubes owns nearly 24 acres abutting Sixth Street NW in the area while the Maxa family owns two other 40-acre tracts of the land.

Ondich noted the companies in the industrial park are interested in it as a potential expansion area. He said the city is looking at phasing in different areas of the land.

The three concepts would each need some minor tweaks. Each concept has its positives and negatives, but city staff favors the first concept, as it requires the least infrastructure and is the least expensive option. One option was a formal entrance/gateway along Sixth Street NW.

New Prague City Council representative Dave Bruzek asked why the entrance couldn't be placed along Highway 21. Commission member Bob Gilman suggested a sign with a retaining wall. A sign along Highway 21 would be more visible. Ondich said it was a good point.

Gilman said he liked the first option as it provided the best layout and flow for streets. He asked if TIF (Tax Increment Financing) could be used for the area? Ondich said that was also possible.

Bruzek asked Ondich if he thought businesses would buy land in the new infrastructure. Ondich said yes, as several of the companies have maximized their current lots as much as possible.

The planning commission will receive more information on the concepts at a later meeting.