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Published April 16, 2008

Mayor vetoes rejection of funding for controversial housing plan department of employment and economic development chat

By By David Little, West Central Tribune

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Monica T.
04/16/2008 11:32 AM

Jon T, I will pose the same question to you. "Please honestly answer what the city of Willmar would look like in your perfect world. Be detailed. Structure your answer in terms of class, economic considerations, ethnicities and housing".

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Andrew Y.
Willmar, MN     04/16/2008 11:27 AM

Dana Drive, Amy. In less than 10 years many of the apartments in that area went from new to trash. I lived there and have personal experience. When the Sommerset apartments were new, I had friends that lived there. College students and working families. A few years later, from my apartment at Countryside Estates, I could see drug deals going down across the field at Sommerset, had my car broken into twice while it was feet away from my apartment window, and got used to the sound of sirens. There are ghettos in Willmar.

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Jon T.
04/16/2008 11:23 AM

John T, please honestly answer what the city of Willmar would look like in your perfect world. Be detailed. Structure your answer in terms of class, economic considerations, ethnicities and housing.

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Amy N.
04/16/2008 11:20 AM

Its funny how all those appose to this issue can say its bad for Willmar but yet not one person has given a difinative reason why other than their property value "may" go down.

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Monica T.
04/16/2008 11:17 AM

Britany, you said earlier " I know Les personally and I think he is an extremely intelligent man". So it is convenient to snuggle up with him on some things, but since you know him "personally", you can't respond? By the way, I don't live in that area, but do live in Ward 2. That is why I am blown away by Gardners total disregard to the best interest of people that voted him in. This project doesn't directly impact my property value, but I am smart enough to know as Dan J has said and I agree, "This is bad for Willmar"

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Amy N.
04/16/2008 11:13 AM

Brad A, I am appalled that you would make such a stupid statement, "get off your butt and get a job" Honestly are you that clueless? I am considered "low income" I am white and I am working a full time job. Its so funny how people like you and Carly are automatically assuming that the people who would occupy this place are going to be minority, welfare robbing, people. Did any of you ever think that this will help current Willmar residents who are living in the "crappy homes" or Trailer parks move into a better place? Did any of you consider the single mothers and other low income "white folks" living in willmar who cannot afford to buy their own home but cant find a decent place to rent? Why not build this place and more like to to get rid of the trailer parks? I dont see any of you willing to put your tax money to fix up other homes in the area! Also this is being funded mostly by a grant so its not going to take your tax money. Carly - what areas of Willmar have suffered due to low income housing? I have lived here most of my life and I dont recall any "ghetto" areas?

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Carly S.
Willmar, MN     04/16/2008 11:03 AM

Britany L - being you are from St. Paul/Woodbury, I can understand how you would not know Willmar's history of having new, low-income housing turn into ruins...as has been the case in Willmar historically. Based on that history...I do not see any positive impact coming out of this project. In a couple years...take a drive out here and check on how well this development is cared for. I guarantee you will eat your words. And if this was going up in my neighborhood...I'd put my house on the market tomorrow!!!!!

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Britany L.
04/16/2008 10:54 AM

Well, John, I guess I'm not equipped to answer questions on another persons behalf. I'd like to think that the facility would be up-kept, considering it is new, so I guess I don't see a problem. Clearly YOU have some issues regarding it being in your neighborhood.

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Michelle H.
04/16/2008 10:49 AM

John, you obviously want an answer. Unfortunately, I don't know these people on a personal-enough basis to give you one. However, I have worked with Mayor Heitke on a couple of things and I have the impression he doesn't care who they are as long as they are good, honest, hard-working citizens who keep their property looking as kept as the rest of the neighborhood.

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Beth H.
04/16/2008 10:43 AM

It does have everything to do with Muslims beacause that is what it said in the application. I am just saying there is no proof that this is an issue of race for the people that are against this project. You are just speculating that. Stick to the Facts Jay!

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