I find it very interesting that a small business owner in this community can find “amusement” in another small business owner’s problems. What sort of values does this represent?
To add a little reality to Steve H’s opinion letter in last week’s paper, let’s take a look at some of the facts.
The property was purchased from, not given by the city. It was not quickly passed, or by some immediate process. It went through the normal review process, reviewed by planning and zoning, city council, city manager and the city attorney. A public comment period as required for the sale of all public property was held. The land use plan was presented and a conditional use permit was approved by all parties prior to the sale, again going through the prescribed legal process.
If the city was “coerced” regarding aspects of the project, maybe Steve should run for the soon-to-be-open seat on the council, in order to prevent this type of coercion from happening again.
If you look at the zoning and topography of this property, the construction of an “Event Center” on this location would be nearly impossible. Even if it were possible, a conditional use permit would also need to be submitted and approved by the city, just like the zip line project.
Regarding the few people who tried to organize an opposition to the project, to no avail, it speaks volumes.
Facts may not have the same amusement factor as self-induced conjecture. However, reading one small business owner bash another in this small community made up of many small businesses is a very sobering look at how dysfunctional a community can be.
Michael Littfin
Grand Marais
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