I am pretty sure those of you who are interested know there is a meeting Monday night at Green Lake City Hall regarding the annexation of the Green Lake Conf. Center. I believe it is at 7:00. I have not seen it publicly posted anywhere so far. I don't think the city was required to do so more than 72 hours in advance yet you had to sign up for a "speaking" appointment by yesterday at noon. Very shady.
I was lucky enough to see an email sent by Ken asking employees not to patronize a certain local business because he had spoken out against the development. He then signed off of the email with "Merry Christmas". Very loving.
It was great seeing all the "sound off" letters in the Green Lake paper this week. There were quite a few letters to the editor in the Ripon paper also. If the Conference Center really wanted to work with the community on this they would be more transparent through this whole process instead of making it an "us vs. the world" situation. Ken and Co. are not handling this very well by trying to be as private as possible through this event.
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3 months ago
74 comments:
The agenda indicates there will not be a vote on the annexation issue at this meeting. Rather further review of work that city staff were supposed to do on the issue.
There are also about a dozen people who signed up to speak, five minutes each, or probably about an hour plus of anti annexation comments. Some of the usual Carpenter Lane folks, Shore drive homeowners at ABA and some city residents.
This is going to be fun. Let's all be there at 7:00. It is very interesting to hear all the lawyers, town folk, and all the (save the clock tower) people speaking. I will be wearing my NY Giants jersey so you will know me.
The meeting was posted at city hall, the post office, on channel 19 and the library. This is standard procedure. The library staff was late in getting their posting up and on channel 19 due to a sick employee. There will be no vote on the annexation issue at tonight's meeting according to the agenda.
It needs to be in the paper for any real chance at the general public knowing about it.
I encourage the city council to stay focused on the issue. The agenda appears to speak to economic impact, environmental, infrastructure concerns emergency government issues, etc. This is the proper way to handle it.
We can really do without the whiny ABA homeowners and town folks wanting to play the emotional card. No doubt, we’ll have some new legal threatening from those opposed. That seemed to work for them last time.
Sounds like we have 'ready to grow' Donna on this blog.
There seems to be a breach in the Moore/Parise wall. It's a relief to see at least five counsel members finally voicing their FREE opinions and concerns.
Now, if someone could just turn the light on and take notice that this entire charade is not remotely legal we can get on with dealing with the hundred million dollar issue.
No wait...let them waste 9 more months and another quarter million out of their warchest. Just maybe that is when they will turn-tale and run!
Keep it up folks!
"Turn on a light" you say... seems to me like the light has been shut off a long time ago. Or was that just all those gone broke business owners turning off the light one last time as they left their empty businesses for the last time? Downtown grocery stores, service stations, the pharmacy, restaurants, countless gift shops, think of all we've lost. JT Skewers (Town of Brooklyn) is the latest to fall victim. They tried to do something good, they invested, advertised, promoted, tried to be positive.
But, it takes people to be their customers and we certainly don't want anymore people moving here!
For starters, locals can start shopping at local businesses! How about supporting your local grocery store, hardware store, gift shop, paint store, sports shop, restaurants. It's just amazing how many locals don't/won't shop here.
I understand when a store tries to sell $80 GL sweatshirts, but when products are same or reasonable in price comparison to say Ripon or Oshkosh...well where is the problem?
Nice move by Ken Geogetto by calling for ABA boycott of local business owner.
Nice move by Lindenwood to price-out the lots so that they will be the builder. There will be no local builders/contractors/excavators in this sub-development (new construction).
When new sub-development LOTS are going for$250K-$475K for less than an acre; do you really believe those residents will be here more than a few weeks or months out of the year? That is the strain on the year-round business owners. Add to that a $400K-$800K house; do you honestly think these residents will work/here? Raise kids which school here?
Are we trying to grow a thriving/healthy community here or a million-aire weekend get-a-way?
Quite obviously judging by those millionaires who spoke at last nights meeting, except for a few, who I assume are not millionaires yet, Green Lake is becoming and has been an exclusive "million-aire weekend get-a-way" destination for years!
Who do you think first came here from Chicago, it wasn't the poor, although they road along to cater to the wealthy while they were here. The rich are obviously in charge. As long as they can bully their way around, it will never change. The rest of us are just here to pick up after them, cook for them, serve them meals, wash their boats, cut their grass, wash and polish their cars, build their homes, put in their docks, and on and on and on we go.
The problem with all of the new ESTATES FOR THE RICH is that the modest rural homes near them are getting too expensive to own. Property taxes based on increasing assessment values are climbing. Buying a home and/or land here is getting really expensive. Certainly not attractive to working class or starting families.
Lights are off and the next post down - congrats, you've hit the nail on the head.
All this energy expended on "out of town" issues is just deflecting from the real issue that we have.
The place is dying, noone supports the downtown so it's practically impossible to sustain a retail business there.
But lets all talk about broken bandshelters, eagles and trees. Oh, and lets block another couple roads that lead into the downtown, while noone is looking.
When you elect incompetent officials into office, this is what you get.
Wise up and THINK of everyone working together for the betterment and future of Green Lake with a Development Done Right, not one that will be devisive to the local folks, and a financial, plus environmental disaster for the area. The meeting last night was well done by the city with hopes and plans for investigation of the important issues plus reports due in February. I commend those people who are taking time to understand
what impacts are involved before voting and changes actually made. There are too many lots, houses and condos for sale now already, and not just in Green Lake!
The reason that the locals don't shop in Green Lake is that the stores here are not selling anything that the locals need or want. I rarely buy gifts, knick-knacks, pottery, jewelry, framed art, embroidered T-shirts or signs proclaiming the Chicago Cubs or Bears. In fact, I never buy any of those types of things. When the Crossroads first opened, I thought, "great, another local rip-off joint" but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself wrong. I LOVE the Crossroads and shop there several times a week, because it sells things that I need and want at a fair price. Their meats are wonderful! Some of their items are priced higher than I normally pay, and those items I will travel to Ripon for, as I am accustomed to. When the stores downtown start to sell things that I need and want at a fair price, then I will shop there! See how that works?
So, the demand for high priced housing, usually on the lake has driven "normal family home, land and taxes" beyond the reach of the normal working stiff. So what's the answer? Create shops and businesses downtown that cater to the wealthy and the rest of us can move to and shop in Ripon? Sounds like a good deal for Ripon. But even the wealthy are not supporting downtown businesses.
Hey Chuck, ya sure you still want to battle Joe for the job? Sounds like a lose lose position to me.
I too shop regularly at the Crossroads but I find it very irritating that they never have the products they advertise, over charge at the register, have poor service, and the manager is creepy. This is the reason why I will go to Berlin, Ripon, Oshkosh, Fond Du Lac. The businesses in Green Lake do not take things seriously or care if they have any customers.
You are absolutely correct, the store owners in Green Lake are out of touch with what is current and trendy for tourists or locals. Nobody wants to shop at these stores in Green Lake. Maybe they should go Door County or Eagle River, check out the competition and see what a successful store looks like.
As far as high priced housing is concerned, we should all be thankful we live in Wisconsin! The home prices here are low compared to much of the country. If my modest little house were in San Jose, Seattle or Miami, it would be worth over a million dollars. I can live with the local home prices, it is the property taxes here in GL that are ridiculously high. Yet another reason that it makes no sense to annex the ABA. One reason that rich people are rich is that they are careful with their money. Why should they build an expensive home on a city lot and pay twice as much in taxes? We could be in for a recession or a depression (experts are predicting) and anyone building a big house at this time could lose money in the long run. The housing market is in a slump and it could take years before it gets better.
I think the owners of Crossroads are doing a fine job, considering they are new to the grocery business. I have always been treated with courtesy and friendliness. If you have issues, tell them so they can make corrections. Don't just run to Ripon.
It is wonderful to have a local store again. If we don't support it, we will lose it, and others will not be encouraged to open businesses here, of any kind.
Hmmm... Someone mentioned in the mayor's race discussion section of "city officials misleading developers, so it ended up with attorneys". You got to wonder if the Township is guilty of any misleading with Lindenwood. Before you tar and feather me here, hear this out. Do you think there is any chance our officials get so excited when they hear of the prospect of new tax dollars, that they become like unethical used car salesmen (no offense to ethical car salesmen intended). Tell them what they want to hear to make the sale to increase revenue and deal with the problems later? You gamble the problems will be few, like one upset neighbor and then at times the problems are huge, like an entire upset neighborhood.
If you’ve ever been a commissioned sales person, you know that rush of excitement you get when you first calculate a huge sale coming your way. In thinking of this, you may not speak 100% accurately, but in the back of your mind you figure you’ll just work that little detail out later. It might be easy and then again, it might not be, but you will take that risk.
I ask you, are you so sure our elected officials are all decent 100% ethical people? Maybe they are, but isn’t there that chance they just might have calculated that “sales commission” (tax revenue) a bit too quickly? Or, is it that they are so frustrated by the HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN and tax limitations that they deal with everyday, that they will do and say just about anything within or just beyond reason to help relieve the burden. All in an effort to appeal to the electorates with lower tax rates. Listen to the people on this blog and how many problems they write about that come from lack of money, and it's not their job to fix the money problem. The burden falls to the elected official, who lives with it everyday. Imagine being the person whose job it is to fix the problem. What would you say to make the sale and bring in more tax revenue? Maybe you figure those town and city rules, ordinances, etc are more just like guidelines and who will notice anyway. Aint politics grand!
Developers come to towns and cities to make money yes. But most developers want to build a relationship with the community, be well spoken of, endorsed, supported, etc. Why would you intentionally try and screw that up?
I don't know exactly what you're trying to say, Hmmm. Your blog is very wishy-washy. I thought the problems with the Lindenwood development were very black and white. Lindenwood developers, and in turn, the ABA, do not want to follow the comprehensive plan put forth by the township of Brooklyn on minimum lot sizes. That is what it all boils down to.
To look at this objectively, let's say I want to build a development in the township of Brooklyn. What is the very first thing that I would do? I would check with the town's comprehensive plan to see what the minimum lot size requirements are. Then I could go ahead and figure out how many houses to build and where to build them. Now, what part of this very simple equation don't you understand? The developers obviously thought they could buy or bully their way into this whole deal. There is no other explanation. What they are doing is so extremely unfair and (in my opinion) very unethical. If it were up to me, they would be stripped of their contractor licenses and never build another house again, unless it was a birdhouse for their yard.
Wishy Washy is a good example, but what I think the poster is trying to say is; we can all be tempted to say things to get what we think is best, but maybe we haven't thought out all the details.
"Quite simply"; you just say, the ABA & Lindenwood lied and were deceitful to get what they want, failed to ask all the right questions and that all elected officials are 100% honest decent citizens who would never give out incorrect information. To you, it is a black and white world whereas others see some gray.
Attacking people again! Did you ever stop to think the mayor and these council members are all citizens of Green Lake and want the best for their City and our City. They serve for a pitance.
Did you know the Town of Brooklyn approved lots in the Sunnyside Development that are less than 1/2 acre? This is not according to their Comprehensive Plan. Sunnyside is OK but GLCC is not! Don't you have to treat everyone the same? Fodder for the GLCC lawsuit, don't you think?
In defense of the Crossroads, Howell, I have to say that Pick n' Save is frequently out of their advertised items, too. I haven't had a problem being overcharged at the register, and the staff has always been friendly and courteous. I don't know who the manager is, but haven't encountered any creepy people except a few shoppers. Until they get rid of the low-income housing here in Green Lake, I guess we are stuck with all the creepy people. Maybe now that that building has been renovated, the owner could sell it and all the druggies and crazies could move to Berlin.
Sunnyside was built HOW long ago? I moved here years ago, and it was here when I arrived. Perhaps Brooklyn learned from it's mistakes, and implemented a new comprehensive plan since then to alleviate the potential problems of rapid growth. Smart growth and planning is extremely important for the future of this area!
We are talking about the new development east of Sunnyside. Ask your town officals for a plat overview of the new approved development off of South Street. It is available as a matter of open records.
Lovey- please feel free to leave Green Lake anytime! I am sure the "low-income, creepy people" of ANYTOWN, USA would be glad to have you!
Shame on you!!!!
I am entitled to my opinion. You wonder why people don't shop downtown, when there are unkempt people sitting on the sidewalk, smoking cigarettes and talking to themselves. The downtown is trying to attract business, not scare it away!
I for one am in favor of any annexation that will give new revenue to the city so we can replace aging sewer and water pipes and pave streets instead of having them chip sealed. Have you noticed how many pipes freeze over winter and the poor condition of our streets. If the past city administrations had not adopted a "no growth" attitude years ago, we could have new asphalt streets everywhere instead of chip sealed roads that deteriorate after a few years. That is just wasted money.
The petitioners DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to petition for annexation. It is not legal and they falsified the petition and testimony with regards to being contiguous and creating town islands.
The city DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to consider an invalid/illegal petition for annexation.
The city attorney DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to falsify the intent of the law.
TO LOVEY-
You must really think you are something special. I really feel sorry for you. I can not believe there are people like you who actually think that way or have the nerve to post such ignorant comments. Do you just post these things to upset people like me or are you really that hateful?
Melissa Sonntag
I think the words from this Montgomery Gentry song just about sum up this whole mess.
"Heard it through the grapevine
My new neighbor don’t like my big red barn
’47 Ford, bullet holes in the door
Broke-down motor in the front yard
I've got a mind
To paint a plywood sign
And nail it up on a knotty pine tree
Saying “I was here first,
This is my piece of dirt
And your ramblin’ don’t rattle me”
Some people care about
what other people think
Worry ‘bout what they say
Let a little gossip
Comin’ from a loose lip
Ruin a perfect day
Saying “blah, blah, blah”
Just a-jacking their jaws
Gotta let it roll of my back
I don’t give a durn
What other people think
What do ya think about that?
I wear what I want to
Overalls, work boots
Crank my music up loud
Like to sling a little mud
On my four-wheel drive
Trick on into town
Shoot a little eight ball
Down by the pool hall
Drink a beer with my friends
Don’t judge me and I won’t judge you
‘Cause we all get judged
In the end
Some people care about
what other people think
Worry ‘bout what they say
Let a little gossip
Comin’ from a loose lip
Ruin a perfect day
Saying “blah, blah, blah”
Just a-jacking their jaws
Gotta let it roll of my back
I don’t give a durn
What other people think
What do ya think about that?
You know, I don’t give a damn
What other people think
What do you think about that?"
I think you should dig a whole and stay there!
Maybe the answer IS everyone needs to care about what exactly is happening around GL NOW!!!
Dear Melissa, I am not ignorant or hateful. What I am is intolerant. The older I get, the more intolerant I become of able-bodied people who mooch off the system for years on end and contribute nothing worthwhile to society. I am not saying this is true about all the "low income" people in Green Lake, but I know for a fact there are many who milk the system because they can get away with it. I do not hate these people, I resent them. I resent that I work hard and pay my taxes so that they can sit on their butts and smoke cigarettes and do drugs and watch tv. I resent that they do nothing to make themselves into better people and do nothing to make the world a better place. I have always believed that you are either a part of the solution or a part of the problem.
If that building were just for the elderly, I would not have a problem with it because the elderly people come from a generation of morals and values and have this thing called a work ethic. If they need economic help, I don't have a problem with them receiving assistance to make ends meet. They have served society, they have done their part.
I find it interesting that Howell the 3rd can say that the manager of Crossroads is creepy, and you don't say anything about that. But I mention low income druggies and crazies and you come running to their defense. At least I am honest in saying that I would rather they do not live here in Green Lake. And just for the record, I do think that I am something special. I am a hard-working individual who pays my taxes and is active in the community, and does my part to make this world a better place. I cannot say the same about those people you rush to defend. You are a nice person, Melissa, but a bit naive. Maybe you want to give money, housing and free health care to illegal immigrants, too.
I have to disagree with the posting by "illegal..."
The petitioners DO have the right to file a petition for annexation. The city, in turn, has the right to deny it.
Similarly, I have the right to ask the city council for an official Groundhog Day celebration. The city, in turn, has the right to deny my request. But you can't tell me that I can't ask.
The city DOES have the right to consider the petition for annexation. You state that the petition is "invalid/illegal." Others (some of whom are sane, educated, and in a position to know) say that's not true. Part of the city's job in considering the petition is determining if it's illegal. But you're wrong to say the city has no right to even consider it. After all, if the city can't consider it, then it can't say "No."
To Lovey:
I didn't comment on the manager at Crossroads because I don't know who it is.
Second, what I do defend is your harshness towards people with mental illness. It is by the grace of God that you are not in the same situation and you should thank God for that everyday. It hurts me to see people suffer as much as some do. What we sometimes neglect to realize is that if we didn't have the family, support systems or even financial securities (which comes with "middle class values"-you should read "Bridges out of Poverty" by Ruby Payne)then we could be in the same shoes as some of the people you talk about. But what I mostly didn't like in your post was the comment regarding "individuals" that talk to themselves and smoke cigarettes. Do you know any of these people? Do you know anything about them other than what you see on the outside? I find your intolerance hateful and I really hope you learn to turn your resentment into something more useful and positive. It sounds to me that you could use some education and/or training. I would be happy to refer you to some great trainings in the area.
Kindest Regards,
Melissa Sonntag
I have to correct my previous posting. I meant to put that I didn't comment on the person at crossroads because I guess I didn't notice that comment until you mentioned it(tried to edit it but couldn't figure out how to go back). But if I was manager and someone said I was creepy on a public blog, my feelings may be a little hurt. Did anyone see that article in the paper with the 13 year old girl who committed suicide after a group of peers wrote cruel things about her on myspace?
And as regards low-income people mooching off the system, where's your anger about all the corporations who are tanking the economy with their less-than-stellar business practices, putting us all at risk. Every night on the news there is another one with billions in losses from shaky loans, many of which were written to take advantage of low-income people.
When I first heard about this website I checked it out and thought it was interesting. Now though, I think it has turned into a monster, and people are hurt by it. People from other communities have looked at it and it makes Green Lake look pathetic. The Chief is a troublemaker who starts topics just to cause conflict for his own amusement. Does he really care about Green Lake?
Say folks, who do not want a development of any kind at the ABA. Perhaps a sale to a tribe for a casino would be better? The ABA does have a right to sell their land to anyone. How about a Hyatt Hotel?
A residential area would look real good then. Be careful what you are objecting to!
The chief makes us look pathetic? I disagree. The more you see what people are thinking the more it makes you think.
The chief makes us look pathetic? I disagree. The more you see what people are thinking the more it makes you think.
The chief makes us look pathetic? I disagree. The more you see what people are thinking the more it makes you think.
the sound off column serves the same purpose.
....to shine for Him each day;
In every way try to please Him,
At home, at school, at the ABA....
Why can't we all just get along?
Melissa and Lovey, kiss and make up now you two plantpots...
There I go talking to myself again, time for another cigarette....
The soundoffs in the paper are edited. Also, your soundoff can be signed anonymous in the paper, but you must include your name when you submit it to the paper.
This blog is an excellent way for people of the community to sound off. I learn more about what is going on here than any local paper. The Green Lake Reporter is like a high school paper and a waste of 75 cents.I hope the ABA sells to the Cleveland Indians and pulls out of the area. That would fix the "save the nature" people. Time for another beer on my back porch.
The new City Council meeting on the annexation with the reports coming back to the council is 2/20/08, according to City Hall. That is when lawyers were available to be there.
I agree with the Professor, this blogsite is an excellent way for local issues to be exposed and examined from all perspectives. If some of you don't like it, then don't read it or contribute, simple as that. In my opinion, the County Inquisitor exemplifies what America is all about, freedom of speech and the right to ones' own opinions. Most of us are adult enough that we can agree to disagree. Keep up the good work, Chief!
The Green Lake Reporter has an excellent article about last Monday nights meeting. Better reporting then the Northwestern!
ABA selling their property to the Cleveland Indians would be a gtreat idea! Ken would be dumped and it would be worth it!!!!
Hello Paul Higgins,
I am pleased that you disagree. You are obviously not some of the "sane, educated, and in the know" people which have any input about whether it is legal or not. But exactly whom are some of the "sane, educated, and in the know" people who say it is legal? The petitioner says, 'in this case, the city actually TOUCHES' the ABA. How? The petitioner mis-reported the case law where a city annexed a territory immediately on the other side of a highway, and in fact the judicial ruling was that the highway may NOT be considered FOR or AGAINST an annexation and that the 23' distance is close enough. There is NO case where a highway may be used to link contiguyous territory, especially not over a more than half mile distance.
I am not even going to go into the town islands issue now.
Let's see, who else says it's legal? Joe said it was so while reviewing the petition (because the petitioner said it was so). The city lawyer really was not definite or clear in his determination. Who else?
I maintain that the petitioner does NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to file a petition for an annexation which is not legal and contains falsehoods! The petition does not satisfy the primary required criteria of being contiguous to the city!
Melissa, I find your words to me far more hateful than anything I have said about the mentally ill or anyone else. I understand that there are some people who are genuinely disabled by their mental illness, but there are also many who are not so ill that they should be supported for the rest of their lives, collecting their check every month and doing nothing to improve their mental or physical health. Perhaps they are dysfunctional, but they are totally capable of working. Yes, I do know some of these people, and yes, it bothers me greatly that the system allows them to get away with this. What sense does it make that a drug addict can get a disabled rating, and then collect a check every month to go and buy their drugs with? If you think that makes sense, then please explain it to me. I am not ignorant or hateful, and I am not unfamiliar with mental illness. Over the decades, I have had a family member take their own life, had several friends commit suicide as well. I have had three other family members attempt suicide. My own sister was a perscription drug addict who "milked the system" by collecting disability and and continuing her addiction until her early death. My brother-in-law has been institionalized for over 20 years with severe schizophrenia. I have more firsthand knowledge of mental illness than you will ever have in your life. I have visited relatives and friends in mental wards and driven them back and forth to their psychiatrists visits. Thanks for your recommendations to get educated on the subject, but sister, you are preaching to the choir. If I want to be intolerant of the situation, then I have that right. I have more empathy and understanding than you could possible comprehend, and it sickens me that so many people want to wallow in their own self-induced misery rather than do something, anything, to get better.
It would make far more sense to situate these "disabled" people in Berlin, since most of them can't drive and depend on others to function on a daily basis. In Berlin, they could walk to the grocery stores, Walmart etc. There are affordable family type places to dine that Green Lake does not offer. Sorry if my common sense offends you.
Hey "Illegal not Contiguous” Rather than jumping to conclusions and forcing your issue, you need to read what Mr. Higgins said.
"The petitioners DO have the right to file a petition for annexation. The city, in turn, has the right to deny it".
You on the other hand are quick to make judgments if it is legal or not. You may be the Judge and Jury of your own kingdom, but in the real world the rest of us still get to ask questions and not just let ourselves be silenced by those who disagree with us.
I am a veteran, having served many years. I fought for freedoms for this country. One of those freedoms is having the right to own property (a home or other property) and sell it if I would want to. The ABA also has the right to sell land to whoever they want. If a developer buys it, fine. The developer is then responsilble for bringing it thru the approval process. The process then clears up what the development will look like via ordiances and standards. That is the democratic way. You ABA homeowners really have no rights in preventing a sale. You were OK with the ABA selling you land for your large homes!
The argument isn't about selling land, it's about land use. No one can just do anything anymore, we really haven't been able to for a long time. There are sanitary laws, zoning laws and, now, the comprehensive plan.
We're all in this together; we have to figure it out together.
When a big property proposes drastic changes in its use, it affects all of us, especially in a tourist town that depends on rural charm for a large part of its economic activity.
We MUST talk about how we are changing things and come to some kind of consensus. Only the lawyers are seeing any gain.
AMEN!
I guess there are some people on this blog tied to the petitioner. Like Paul Higgins VP of Finance for GLCC and Donna Moore which serves on just about every committee at church with other GLCC employees.
Lovey-
If you feel so strong about your opinion can't you sign your name?
(Warning: sarcasm ahead.)
Congratulations on figuring out that I'm actually "Paul Higgins." That must have been difficult considering that I use the account name "Paul Higgins." And congratulations on figuring out that I'm the VP of Finance at GLCC. (Hint: Google "Paul Higgins" "Green Lake" and it's in the first screen of results.) Woe is me; what will I do now that my identity has been so publicly revealed?!?
I sure hope that doesn't disqualify me in some way from reading and posting to this blog.
Here's my guess, in response to yours. I guess that there are some people on this blog tied to the homeowners who are opposed to the petition. Folks like Anonymous, Anonymous, and Anonymous...
Melissa, you are one of the only bloggers on this site who signs their name, and I admire you for it. I would rather remain anonymous for personal reasons. Thank you for your input to the subject, I actually respect you and examined myself through your comments. I realize that I am a very judgemental person, but understand that it saddens me to see people who are wasting their lives.
Paul Higgins,
Since you are the GLCC VP of Finance, PLEASE let us know the financial situation of the GLCC. The PUBLIC NEEDS a transparent, honest understanding of this matter.
PS WHERE or WHO is financing Lindenwood Developers?
There are no laws against the Homeowners being on this blog, but there ARE laws against what GLCC, Lindenwood and the Major are trying to do! The problem is these laws are being broken!!!
Why is it the public's business to know what the financial situation of the GLCC is?
Why do you care who's financing Lindenwood? It's their business, not yours. Get over it. Or do you think there is something sneaky or some mysterious back room dealing going on?? Wow, wouldn't that be something for the simple minds to dwell on?
It does matter who is financing Lindenwood! It's not just a matter of "enquiring minds want to know". If Lindenwoood and the ABA are asking the city to annex a huge amount of property, the city and it's residents should have the peace of mind of knowing that this is a reputable organization that has the financial backing to do what it says they are going to do with every degree of certainty. Otherwise, this whole fiasco could turn into a giant nightmare.
It is only when a development comes before the city that the city looks into the financial situation and it is then reviewed. This is when the city would be asked to put forth monies for municiple services. Not when an annexation is requested. This is not the appropiate time to ask questions about the financial picture. Surely the Town of Brooklyn checked into this when they were considering the development. Ask them if you want to know.
I agree with Jan. 23 8:43 am
100 %
I agree too. The developer is asking the city to buy into this plan. I would hope the city would want to know,,, how is this developer financed. And what is their history on other projects?
The taxpayers who are represented by the Council would want to know that the Council has very carefully considered all of the aspects of this petition. Can the developer accomplish what they propose? Do they have solid financing in place to carry this development through? What is the financial picture of the ABA? Do they have any ties to this developer? Did they have anything to do with the financing? Have these questions even been asked by Brooklyn or City representatives?
There are probably many questions that need to be asked. Good thing the city is slowing this down and getting some help to know what questions to ask, whether that be of the developer, the ABA, checking with the state on the legality of the proposed annexation, what this will do to the relationship between Green Lake and Brooklyn, what's best for the taxpayes and the community. Hope they do the due diligence necessary to get everything out on the table to make a good decision.
Another blogger suggests you go back to Brooklyn to ask them what they know about it. Fair question, assuming the town of Brooklyn thought to ask the developer what their financing is.
8:27 pm EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS!
IDIOTIC SUGGESTIONS!!
This has absolutely nothing to do with the question of annexation. If the ABA, Lindenwood and all went away, the land would still be city land, if you ever annex it, which looks doubtful.
I want annexation for reasons X.Y. and Z. But you are not allowed to consider X,Y, and Z for purposes of annexing.
HUMMMMM?
All those in favor of this annexation are saying that you cannot consider the subsequent zoning, plat, and development infrastructure issues.
Bologna!
If that is your argument, then don't use the development and need for services, etc as part of your argument submitted in the 15 point criteria, public interest, and reasons for annexation.
This is a two-way street. Wait, GLCC wants to keep the one-way streets they have.
If you do not want the council to consider other subsequent impacts and issues, maybe you should have simply said we want annexation of the land for the simple sake of annexing it and that is all. But no, the LAW and criteia for annexation includes consideration of subsequent development, services and public interest.
Your argument is hypocrisy at it's finest!
But let us remember the wise words of Donna Moore to 'keep emotions out of this, it is purely a business decision'.
Another form of don't consider this, don't consider that!
What doesn't make sense is why the city would annex land that is miles away from the city!
So the GLCC/Lindenwood/Mayor can get what they wanted and were denied. Illegally since it did not work the other way.
Oh the drama, the speculation, the accusations, the emotions, the assumptions, the curiosity, and comments from those who don’t have a clue, isn't it Grand!
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