TOWER— The St. Louis County Board has approved the sale of approximately five acres of county land located at the intersection of Hwy. 169 and Marina Drive, to the Tower Economic Development Authority. The board approved the sale on June 2, contingent on the passage of a resolution of support by the Tower City Council for the continued operation of the county’s public works facility, also located on Marina Drive.
The land has been eyed as a key component for potential development in and around the city’s harbor for the past few years. The parcel was part of a 16-acre piece purchased by the county for its Public Works garage in Tower, but the portion sought by TEDA, located on the east side of Marina Dr., has not been used by the county. The property does, however, contain significant high ground that would be amenable to eventual harbor-related development. It also provides easy access to an adjacent privately-owned parcel that includes the Marjo Motel.
Combined, the county parcel and the private property, owned by the Mesojedec family, amounts to approximately 23 acres, located between the harbor and the Standing Bear Marina and Your Boat Club, that could be available for future development.
“I’m pleased to see that the city’s long-term interest in acquiring the Marina Drive property is finally on the brink of becoming a reality,” said Tower Mayor Orlyn Kringstad.  “This acquisition will enhance the development potential for the harbor area and support the substantial redevelopment investment made by the new owners of the Standing Bear Marina.”  
The county and TEDA agreed on a sale price of $9,900, but the sale won’t be consummated until the city council approves a resolution that affirms their support for the county’s public works facility. Public works officials expressed some concern that residential development in the area could create resistance to their continued operation in the area due to the dust and noise that the facility generates. The city council is expected to approve that resolution of support at their regular meeting in June.
Kringstad said the latest development “confirms the wisdom of having strengthened the authority of a more autonomous economic development authority, which can act more independently for positive development in the city.” Kringstad also offered thanks to County Commissioner Paul McDonald, and the late Commissioner Tom Rukavina, for their support of the city’s development efforts.