Supporters of Westwind proposal have their say at City Council meeting

Ben C.
04/09/2008 6:48 PM

Amy you make a very good point that has been all but ignored in this discussion because a few leaders have chosen to make statements but not allow for people to question them. This project is NOT for minorities nor does it necessaraly mean that "one kind" of people with live there. I have spoken to people in both Montevideo and Marshall who can't believe that we have elected officals suggesting that this organization is liars and cheats, "their words not mine" They both have said that this organization has done nothing but good things in their communities. It is sad that we have elected officals who would rather hint at or suggest half truths and allow for rumors and lies to grow out of control. We are becoming a laughing stock around the area, and we are being labled things that I pray are not really true of the majority of our town. I hope people with watch what they say and that our council will start leading again.

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Andrew P.
04/09/2008 5:20 PM

..."This is a way to improve our city."??? I'm sure it is to those who want a brand-new house on the cheap, but at what cost to the rest? Building a special development, catering to those with low income, is only a form of isolation...a stepping stone of dependence leading to nowhere. Integrate into society (maybe even with some financial help), the way most others have. That will improve our city.

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Michelle H.
04/09/2008 5:12 PM

John, my only point to you was to be careful saying that they help anyone in need. That is not a true statement (although they are SUPPOSED to do so). I'm just fine- I bucked up and pulled myself together. Unfortunately not everyone can do it emotionally or financially. My sister, who is on the board of another program just like Shelter House, however, called and made sure they were reminded of their rules. As I've mentioned before regarding the Westwind project, it appears they can still build in that location, but the homes will remain rentals and not sold in any way to the tenants. That could be wrong, but so far that's my understanding.

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Amy N.
04/09/2008 3:57 PM

Joe J. - just because I live in Raymond or Slayton or anywhere doesn't mean I shouldnt or dont have an opinion. Like I said in a previous post I LIVED in Willmar for the majority of my life, I live in Raymond now because the RENTAL COST in WILLMAR is too HIGH! So, my opinion is this is a good idea that Willmar go forward with to bring people like myself back into the community. And no I don't believe that everyone against this issue is worried about money, I only said the ones commenting on here seem to be worried about it. Lastly, maybe they have a right to protect their investments but why should others have a right to live in a decent dwelling for a resonable cost, but if Willmar citizen's dont want money to come back to the community and have people like myself return to their hometown, I am more than happy to sray in Raymond and shake my head at people who only see one side of a problem.

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John S.
Willmar, MN     04/09/2008 2:49 PM

Shelly M. Wow, what did I say to set you off on the Shelter House? I was only responding to Dan J's comment that the majority of their clients are from the cities when in fact last year only 5 out of 176 were from the cities. Shelter houses also share with each other if overcrowded so that the client can be served when needed. I was only telling Dan J. to not lie about the Shelter House as a scare tactic, turning people against it only because someone he knows might need their help sometime. How is saying they may help someone only a partial truth. I did not mention any kind of abuse. Just the fact that they help people in need. I am sorry that you have had personal experience with them. Hope all is well. The Shelter House is the charity that my wife and I contribute and donate to more than any other. So please read what people are saying before going off on a tangent.

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Joey U.
Willmar, MN     04/09/2008 2:29 PM

Can anyone tell me if this development will generate tax revenue for the city? My understanding is that if a property was sold, the land actually stays witht he housing partnership. If that is true, and the partnership is a non-profit, does that mean there is no tax revenue for the city?

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Marie H.
04/09/2008 2:15 PM

John S. & Werner:There was more than once during the last meeting that Mayor Heitke tried to prohibit Councilman Christianson(will note as C) from speaking. As C was trying to comment on Bruce Peterson's report like the other councilmen, Heitke kept interupting, almost badgering C. Finally C asked the City Clerk Kevin Halliday if he needed to make a motion to be heard. He referred it to City Attorney Rich Ronning, who said "CS, CC," which means common sense and common courtesy. Though humorous, our $100,000/year salaried part-time legal advisor should have acted more professional. Personally, I like Rich but he has given the council misinformation (example: the deadline of an Appeals Hearing) and poorly advised us (In response to C's motion to have the city buy out the property owners' homes that were affected by the flooding, Rich said no it would show favortism and then the next council meeting he explains how the city can do it.) Poor or insufficient legal advise has put the city at risk of being sued. Perhaps, C's inquiry at the last meeting about a full-time city attorney is more important than the Robert Rule of Order, which Ronning deems not necessary, just use cs & cc.

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Amy N.
04/09/2008 2:11 PM

I agree Shelley, but to me it seems that those who are appose it this project aren't worried about the demise of Willmar but their own pocket books. Not ONE statement so far can say how this will HURT Willmar, but instead how it will affect their house market values. (Carly S) to me it show people who are against this are more concerned about themselves. Yes there a home market slum which is why this would help, if you can't afford a home or your current home then there is a lower cost option for you with this. How come we can have twin homes and condos by Bethesda Plesant view and out by the college and no one complains but if you attach "low income" the whole city is in an uproar. I hope the city council focuses on really facts and stop worry about homeowners pocket books.

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Michelle H.
04/09/2008 1:39 PM

Thank you, Amy, for the personal statement about rentals. I am not completely decided on this project, but I think there are enough pros & cons to have conversation about it. If only we could have adult conversation...

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Carly S.
Willmar, MN     04/09/2008 1:38 PM

Stick to your guns Christianson, Dokeen, Swenson and Fagerlie. There are many of us in Willmar who appreciate your standing up and putting yourself in the spotlight like this. When are we going to start worrying about the homeowners who already reside in this area...what about them. What happens to them!? I can't imagine they are all high-income families. What about the rest of us straddling the middle of the road trying to make ends meet?! I don't see programs rushing to our aid. Aren't we in a housing/mortgage crisis the way it is??? I don't think putting more low-income housing in an already established neighborhood is the answer here!!!...it could only decline the market value of this neighborhood. Explain to me how that is good for Willmar!!! Thanks again for having our back Mr. Christianson!!!!

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