Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) – It appears Rochester will have its first designated public warming shelter in time for the upcoming winter season.

The Rochester City Council Monday night agreed to join the county in developing a shelter in a strip mall near the Government Center.

The site is owned by the county and was picked by supporters of the shelter because of its location. The city had been considering the former Silver Lake fire station as a possible site. The council has agreed to spend up to $100,000 through next year in the development and operation of the center. City Council member Mark Bilderback thanked Mayor Kim Norton for her leadership in opening a shelter.

The County Board will discuss the proposal at its Tuesday afternoon meeting.

The Council Monday night also approved the use of tax increment financing for a planned 250 room hotel at the former Virgil’s site near St. Marys Hospital. The developer initially sought $6-million in assistance but lowered the request to $2.1-million. The council authorized $1.8-million, which is expected to be repaid within 5 years. The project has an overall cost of nearly $60-million, which includes the $6-million purchase price.

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