Windego: Game Over

Mark McGowan, Mpls. developer and businessman, testified before the Anoka Planning Commission about the catastrophic, deal breaker flaws in Windego Park Society plans for the amphitheater.

It became clear in his presentation that Windego is primarily Bjorn and Erik Skogquist and defeated former councilman Paul Pierce.

It is also clear that City Council is now accountable for the new, reality-based information.

McGowan's concerns covered sound volume from the site, alarming safety and traffic issues, uninsurability and finances that make no sense.

He pointed to the lack of transparency and straight answers from Windego representatives.

Every Anokan can only hope the Windegans don't further embarrass themselves and the City by attempting to malign the messenger, Mr. McGowan.

It's been an ineffective and overused tactic.

Mr. McGowan, for the record, has two remarkable historic preservation projects to his name.

Using an all volunteer model, in 2004 McGowan organized a team of businesses that restored the Lake Harriet Bandshell.  This collaborative effort saved the public at least  $350,000.

A 2005 Preservation Alliance Endangered Site was saved.  The City Council of Norwood Young America unanimously agreed to pay McGowan a one-time $50,000 project management fee to oversee the restoration of their 105 year old pavilion.  Nearly 60 volunteer business partners were coordinated for this achievement.

McGowan's management fee of $30,000 for the Anoka amphitheater would have been a bargain.

Referred to as a polished promoter, Mark McGowan's honesty and ability to let others shine seem to be his strengths.

Windego almost seems like a sham racket of some sort in comparison.

Why would Anoka City Council take on unknown and potentially disastrous liabilities by approving this project, now that they know the information presented by Windego can't be trusted?