As of Tuesday morning, all public housing units in New Ulm have active solar power units.

A total of 260 solar panels were installed on the Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) public housing properties; 124 on the roof of Broadway Haus and 136 on 10 rental houses.

“We will wait and see going forward how much energy they generate,” EDA Director Heather Bregel said during Tuesday’s EDA meeting. “That is exciting.”

Later in the meeting the board reviewed the public housing utility allowance schedule. Each year the EDA reviews the tenant paid utilities for all properties and adjusts utility allowance based on usage, current rates and weather from the previous year.

The 124 solar panels on the roof of Broadway Haus apartments were officially turned on following a final test Monday. Photo by Foresee Studios

Bregel said this year’s housing allowance will be different because of solar panel installation. Residents of Broadway Haus Apartments were previously responsible for paying electric bills, but they no longer do so because of thee recent solar panel project. Bregel said because of this, the tenants in Broadway Haus will no longer receive a utility allowance deduction on their rent.

Family units will continue to see a utility allowance because these units are still responsible for paying gas, water, sewage and garbage bill.

The two bedroom family units will see an allowance increase from $100 to $123; three-bedroom family unit will increase from $123 to $144 and a four-bedroom family unit will increase from $145 to $169.

The board approved the changes to the utility allowance scheduled.

This revised utility allows takes effect March 1, 2025.

Pending EDA property sale

Earlier this year, the EDA agreed to sell three lots on the 300 block of North Broadway. These lots were sold to a developer planning to construct a mix-use building including residential and commercial units. City Manager Chris Dalton said the sale of the lot is still pending a zoning letter. City attorneys are drafting a new zoning letter to set conditions for the property. Dalton anticipated closing on the lots should occur by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

The closing on the Garden Terrace sales was also pushed back. Dalton said Rebound Partners was given an additional six months grace period on the sale.

In November, the EDA board agreed to sell the ownership rights of the two Garden Terrace apartment buildings and a vacant lot near the property to Rebound Partners for $7.3 million. Rebound Partners is interested in developing additional housing on the vacant lot and improving existing apartments.

Rebound Partners expressed an interest in working with Oak Hills Living Center to lease space in the Garden Terrance apartments. However, Oak Hills was not prepared to sign any agreements. Dalton said Oak Hills is still working to determine if the partnership is financial viable to lease or purchase another building. The additional six months will allow Oak Hills to work with Rebound to workout necessary details.