The Greene County Development Corporation Board met Tuesday for the first time in person since March of 2020.

President Sid Jones started the meeting with a brief recap of a meeting with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, where they discussed the Greene County Diversity Project or “Nueva Vida en Greene County.” He said a variety of industry employers were present, along with representatives from GCDC. Steering Committee Chair Chuck Offenburger said a new website is being developed with the domain name of “Nueva Vida En Greene County.” 

Jones also reported that Developer Andy Rowland of Rowland Construction recently purchased the JCorp land by the Jefferson water tower and is planning for eight single family homes to be built.

During reports, Jefferson Building Official Chad Stevens said there were just some punch list items left for the facade projects with the former AirTemp building before Heritage Insurance and Philip Heisterkamp could officially close on those properties. Stevens noted that the City has purchased the property at 307 North Wilson Avenue. The three-story building needs to have asbestos abated before the home is demolished. 

Jefferson Matters Executive Director Beth Vander Wilt reported that representatives with Iowa Great Places will be in Jefferson next week. They applied for the program and if awarded the designation, additional grant opportunities would be available to them. 

Other reports came from Greene County Early Learning Center Board Co-President Jacque Andrew who anticipated their building project to be completed next month, Mary Weaver announced Rippey’s new fire chief with Brad Rowe and Alan Robinson hoped that the Grand Junction pool would be open later this month.