FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mike Knutson
Phone: (605) 772-5153
Email: knutsonm@alliancecom.net

November 22, 2004

In 2001, Howard Industries and the City of Howard took an important step by creating the Greenleaf Housing Development and opening up new lots for housing. With the recent placement of a Governors House on one of the lots, people looking for new housing will have yet one more housing option.

The development of the project is being spearheaded by the MCCR Housing Committee. As the committee looked at what other communities were doing, it seemed logical for them to be doing the same.

“Many other rural communities, including While Lake, Redfield, and Sisseton, have purchased a Governor’s House and used them to attract families to their communities,” said Mike Knutson, MCCR Housing Coordinator. “Many people do not want to build a house themselves, and this provides an opportunity for a new house without all that hassle.”

The house, now on its foundation in the Greenleaf Housing Development, is available for purchase by income and/or age qualifying individuals. It is hoped that it will provide an opportunity for someone to purchase a home in Miner County that would not have considered it otherwise.

The home is a good purchase for several reasons. First, it is energy efficient and would most likely cost the homeowner less in monthly heating bills than an older home. Second, the house has attractive financing options.

“It may be possible for a person to pay as little as $300 in monthly mortgage payments,” said Knutson. “With these low payments like this, a person can build a little equity into their home.”

Knutson emphasized that the financing would vary greatly depending on the family income and other characteristics, but these financing options are very attractive.

Besides helping a family, the project places another home in the Greenleaf Development, which pleases Howard Industries. “We are excited about the opportunity of adding a home to the development,” said John Mengenhausen, President of Howard Industries. “We hope it will encourage other individuals to explore the idea of building in the area where water, sewer, curb and gutter and street lights are already available.”

Any interested in learning more about the house should contact Mike Knutson at the MCCR Office (772-5153)