Kevin Cederstrom
Theres a new twist in the saga of the New York Mills farmers elevator and feed mill. Both structures were scheduled for demolition this spring but now it looks like only the elevator, located on the north side of the tracks adjacent to Central Park, will meet its demise. The feed mill will stay standing.
Don Zylstra, a local businessman and entrepreneur, says he has purchased the feed mill on the south side of the tracks and plans on setting up a gift shop there. Zylstra has a purchase agreement with Leaf River Ag and the parties, along with the railroad, are trying to close the deal.
Zylstra is confident he can clean up a portion of the feed mill to set up a gift shop, selling Finnish goods, and a consignment shop. To help with the remodeling Zylstra will apply for commercial funds through the Small Cities Redevelopment grant, which New York Mills recently received. The feed mill is included in the redevelopment zone and Zylstra says he will go through the application process and see if his business is approved.
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Zylstras vision for the feed mill and property also includes a mini golf course. He purchased nine holes from Natures Gallery, which is closing its doors in the Carlund Commercial Park. With trains traveling so close to the feed mill property and for obvious safety concerns he says he will have to fence in the area and put up no trespassing signs.
Work to tear down the elevator on the north side is expected to begin next week.
