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Published April 01, 2008

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

By By David Little, West Central Tribune

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Steven T.
04/01/2008 7:37 PM

What was objectionable Ben it appears is not the style of home but the occupants. Were there not already lower income homes already there in that area before Richland Ave. was expanded? If you go past Roosevelt school and turn left off of 19th Ave you find many lower income homes and most have been there much longer than any of the newer "neighbor approved" homes. Seems to me that one should wonder why you would build in such an ojectionable neigborhood in the first place if you were Mr. Peterson? And as for the actions of the four council members, you are correct that it was not only inappropriate but very well could be law breaking as well. I hope the Tribune investigates this matter.

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Werner N.
04/01/2008 7:34 PM

I love the strip club anology. The thing you people don't understand is this. If the zoning and planning commitee approves a permit, it has met the guidlines of the city. I can guarantee you that is a strip club were to come to town and meet the guidlines of the city and the council not approve it. The city would have a lawsuit on their hands.

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Steven T.
04/01/2008 7:02 PM

Gary the proposed development would have been open to ALL qualified buyers. It is too bad the Mr. Christianson wouldn't answer questions when he laid out the religion carrot. The loan program for all of these buildings vary per borrower. ONE of the many qualified loans is one that Muslims will take because instead of paying interest, which is against their beliefs, the pay loan fees.

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Ben C.
04/01/2008 6:15 PM

Sorry for my error I meant analogy.

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Ben C.
04/01/2008 6:15 PM

Using the Councilmans annology I think you would find that the process would play out similar to how this proposed project played out. That being said, there would likely be more objection to a strip club, and I doubt it would be a tie vote. My question for you is aside from trying to but a twin home on a single lot, what was objectionable about the Westwinds Project? Are you saying that had the space been large enough for twin homes this project would not have been rejected by people? As for making false implications, I will stand by my statement that I heard Councilman Christianson publicly say "We don't need Roberts Rules of order".

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Marie H.
04/01/2008 5:27 PM

Ben-Councilman Chrisitanson gave a good analogy regarding the Council making decisions in regards to the City of Willmar's best interests. Even if a strip club met all of the criteria to be built (such as a certain distance from a school building and church),it would be oppossed by every council member because a strip club is not in the best interest of the city. Likewise, Westwind is not good for the community as a whole.

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Marie H.
04/01/2008 5:22 PM

Shelley-Remember Councilmen Gardner, Reese, DeBlieck & Anderson with Mayor Heitke knew seven standards needed to be met before they approved Westwind Estates. Unlike the Planning & Zoning Commission, they were presented with the facts (testimony from professionals, land developers & adjoining neighbors) that proved the standards were not met. These are the elected officials' seats that should be vacated.

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Marie H.
04/01/2008 4:55 PM

Ben-As I recall, Christianson stated that the City Council operates under the scrunity of the City Charter that has not officially adopted the Robert Rules of Order. City Attorney Rich Ronning confirmed his understanding. Again, Christianson was willing to discuss the issue with ALL members being present, not just Gardner and a couple of other council people. Why do you seem to be purposefully trying to discredit people with false implications?

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Ben C.
04/01/2008 4:44 PM

But what right do they have to not build the streets if the project doesn't violate anything?

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Ben C.
04/01/2008 4:22 PM

What was their plan Scott? To continue a properly called meeting of the City Council? Had the Westwinds STREET projects been approved what effect would it of had on the decision of the Appeals Board? It would not have changed it. Here is where the four may be found in violation of the law. If you look up the law it states "Serial communication through telephone conversation or letters by less than a quorum with the intent to avoid a public hearing or to come to an agreement on an issue relating to offical business could also violate the law." Gary has already stated he spoke personally with all of the four on this matter, and it is clear that Christianson felt confident that something would happen if the meeting did not adjourn to his liking. This sure appears to be an attempt to interfere with the business of the council.

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