RENEWAL: Alive in Spirit Lake

The Wednesday article about the unsuccessful attempt by an organization to subject urban renewal agencies to undue political interference prompts me to illustrate how it operates and how a small town’s fortunes can be turned around by the judicious use of these funds which, by the way, are not stolen from other entities, but are based on the tax receipts in excess of the projected receipts for that fiscal year. No excess, no incremental receipts to the agency. Thus, this provides a relief valve for other arms of the local government that depend on these revenues if they fall short of projections.

When we moved to Spirit Lake 22 years ago, the streets were unpaved and very dusty. The sidewalks were crumbled and buckled. The local mood was subdued, but still hopeful. All that was lacking was the money to do something about it.

When Urban Renewal arrived things began to change gradually. Maine Street received new sidewalks, street lights and decorative trees. The city park received electrification, lights and public facilities. Little fixes here and there added momentum and eventually, we had a new little beach park at the lake, a ballpark and soccer fields, among other things. Not all of this was funded by urban renewal, but it was boosted by the stimulating presence of the agency’s potential assistance, all of which stimulated additional private business and investment.

Our little town is a study in what urban renewal was created and intended for and a sparkling example of what it can accomplish. But don’t take my word for it, come and see for yourself.

WILLIAM PARSONS

Spirit Lake