The Kenyon Business Park is in the first phase of development along Goodhue County Road 12 on the east edge of Kenyon.

I was returning from broadcasting a Wanamingo Jacks game and stopped to take a couple photos.  I was there for the groundbreaking October 7, 2020.

The City of Kenyon website has information about the strategic plan for the city over the next few years .

These include Land Cost Write Down, Tax Increment Financing, Utility Assessment Deferrals.

You'll notice the street off County Road 12 leading into the Kenyon Business Park is Engel Drive.  Named after former Mayor Mike Engel who was instrumental in getting the land for the project.

Engel passed away unexpectedly July 4, 2019.  Current Mayor Doug Henke told those gathered at groundbreaking, "It's taken at least four years to get it this far.  Hopefully it will go forward more quickly than it's taken to get this done."

City Administrator Mark Vahlsing said, "The city began this process, probably the second day I was on the job in January of 2013.  I was asked to look for more space for commercial and industrial businesses.  The city I think has actually been looking at this going back over 15 years with different proposals and locations."

Vahlsing added, "We found it very difficult to find land around the outskirts of the city.  It was a real challenge trying to find a site to add more lots for business development or light industrial.  I have to give a big thank you to former Mayor Mike Engel.  This area was found by him and he contacted the property owners and got them to entertain an offer by the city for the land.  So he deserves the credit for finding this area."

"An approximately $900,000 grant was received from the state to fund about half of the project."

In other Kenyon news eight finalists are being interviewed this Wednesday and Thursday for the Police Chief position.  There were a total of 21 applicants for the position.  Any finalists from outstate are being interviewed via Zoom in the first round of talks.

Chief Lee Sjolander is retiring at the end of July.  A special event to thank him for his years of service is being planned for Sunday, August 8, 2021.  As soon as we get more information we will share it with you.

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