Council OKs street plans, but Westwind contention continues ron christianson steve gardner planny commission gary peterson

Steven T.
04/01/2008 10:19 PM

Sorry Dan I am not Steve Gardner. So if you can't compare other projects then how can you justify the comparison made by Christianson to rental housing in Willmar? This is obviously not a fair comparison. Frank did you look at the links to other sites that is located on the website? There is one to New Ulm where you can read the article that was reported on in their paper. Not the word of the organization but the actualy story from the paper.

Report a Violation

Beth H.
04/01/2008 9:54 PM

I'm glad that we have some council members that are willing to listen to the majority of the residents in Willmar and stand up for what is right. Keep fighting hard for Willmar. I give a big thumbs up to Dokken, Fagerlie, Christianson, & Swenson. Do not stop trying to get this project stopped. The residents of Willmar are behind you. Thanks.

Report a Violation

Frank R.
04/01/2008 9:43 PM

Steven I in no way tried to discredit this organization. I didn't say one good thing or bad thing about them. You just said take a look at THEIR web site. THEIR web site is ONLY going to say good things about them. Maybe they only have good things about them and they are excellent. But just going to their web site to make a judgement about them (good or bad)is rediculous. That statement you say about look at their web site carries no weight. Car Salesman salivate over people like that.....Here sir take a look at what the web says about this car, it's the best.....I can give people like you a great deal.....sticker price and not a penny more. Thank you come again.

Report a Violation

Jay C.
Willmar, MN     04/01/2008 9:32 PM

If these were twin homes for seniors would there be any opposition? I have a relative who lives in a twin home built by Warren Erickson. No one seems to have a problem with twin homes for seniors.

Report a Violation

Steven T.
04/01/2008 9:31 PM

Frank I am not sure what you are looking at but the real website contains the following comments: "The City of Montevideo has been very fortunate in having the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership as a Partner. They have assisted us during times of great need, including recovering from flood damage. They have been a mentor to the city in the construction of affordable housing, and whenever we have needed assistance with grants and other aid, they have been the first group we turn to for assistance. We look forward to many years of continued partnerships." Steve Jones City Manager Montevideo, MN. There are several other comments but also on this website are direct links to local papers and government leaders comments. Why do you want to discredit this organization Frank?

Report a Violation

Frank R.
04/01/2008 9:23 PM

Steven. I took a look at their web site and they speak about how bad of company they are, why you shouldn't pruchase one of their homes, how they don't preform any up-keep, etc. I'm not sure how I see how looking at the company web site does anything for someone? It's not like they are really going to say anything bad about themselves. This won't affect me but if it did I wouldn't want it in my backyard either. I would also bet that most everyone for it wouldn't want it either. They probably just think that if it's being built there then I don't ave to worry about it being in my backyard.

Report a Violation

Steven T.
04/01/2008 9:14 PM

Gary I never accused you of being racist, what I was suggesting is that perhaps your mind is already made up regarding the loan without actually looking into the details of the loan. There exists currently through the South West Minnesota Housing Partnership all kinds of loans that allow people to get into homes at an affordable rate. However these loans aren't the kind that are now getting foreclosed on, as the group is not a preditory lender. I personally know of a couple in Willmar that received financing to purchase their first home in an established neighborhood from this group and its lenders. They attended classes on home ownership. They were only allowed to purchase a home that was up to code in all aspects. In order to receive their low interest rate they need to not only maintain their new property, but they are required to remain in this house for at least 7 years I believe before they can sell the property. The guidelines are tough and the expectations are high for these two. They are a low income family, who likely would have bought in this new development had it been available. They have had steady employment, are not trouble makers, and take care of what they have. In short they are ideal neighbors. Because they are now homeowners they contribute to local property taxes and will also have to pay for any street improvements like anyother homeowner. Their interest rate is far better than mine, but like I said they have much higher requirements and expectations on them than I would guess either one of us have on our loans.

Report a Violation

Steven T.
04/01/2008 8:21 PM

I guess there is a difference to a Muslim. This is at least how that loan has be explained to me.

Report a Violation

Michelle H.
04/01/2008 8:19 PM

What's the difference between paying interest or paying fees? Seriously- either way someone else is getting your money.

Report a Violation

Steven T.
04/01/2008 7:46 PM

Gary you don't get it nor do I believe you WANT to get it! Muslims are NOT getting a free pass! They are paying fees for the loan instead of interest, this is much the same scenero as Gov. Pawlenty and his fee vs tax example. While it is not a "tax" it still covers what the "tax" would collect. I honestly doubt Gary that this neighborhood would welcome a Habitat House, which also has creative financing available, and clearly targets lower income families. A muslim person could apply for and use this same financing to purchase a Habitat house. Another point often over looked by people is that this organization was a big reason that the shelter house got financing. They have also done great things in many other cities throughout southern Minnesota. Though if you only listened to Christianson, Dokken, Fagerlie and Swenson you would think that this group was a fly by night shaddy outfit that lies and cheats. I had questions when I first heard about this and took the time to look up their website. That is what makes me so frustrated at how some are presenting this group. They are not evil and they are not giving out free handouts. Many who purchase through this group actually go to classes on home ownership and are required to remain in the home and taking care of the home for several years in order to receive a favorable interest rate.

Report a Violation