ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa (KTIV) -
Over the last decade, 800 jobs have been added to Lyon County, Iowa. Nearly half have landed in Rock Rapids, but the town's population remains at 2,500 people. Officials say the problem is not enough places to live.
"That's the biggest question we have when people come to town, looking for jobs is where can we live, and we don't have that right now. There's houses, but if you're not willing to buy a house, or aren't ready to buy a home, we don't have rental stock available for you," said Jason Chase, mayor of Rock Rapids.
"In today's society, people will drive for jobs, but if there was housing available locally, and they may become members of your community. And that's what you want moving forward," said Steve Simons, economic development director for Lyon County.
So, how do they fill that void?
"The city is currently in the process of renewing our urban revitalization plan," said Chase.
To speed up construction, the Rock Rapids City Council has passed a property tax abatement measure. Construction of single family homes, apartments, condos, and home renovations worth $10,000 would be eligible for the program.
"This will allow tax relief for those builders, making it more possible for them to make the apartment financially feasible," said Simons.
"One of the largest factors that the city needs right now is more rental property, be it condos, be it apartments or single family homes," said Chase.
Here on the Southwest side of town, they're going to be turning these nine condos into homes for senior living. And this area right across the street is going to be for single family homes.
The condos will open up some modest, middle of the road family homes. And, hopefully that will open up some starter homes, that can become rental homes. And from there, it'll hopefully expand from there," said Chase.
And he says that could put them on the right track, to growing their town.
"This is a community that's growing. It'll have more young kids, young families. Those are the kind of things that we want in a community. These kinds of programs will help make that possible," said Simons.
The council has given first round approval of the tax abatement measure, but will look at it a second time on Monday.
Rock Rapids is building a series of condos and single family homes on the southwest side of town.
