Citizen Larry Turnquist spoke at Open Forum regarding land north and south of High School. On 3-19-07 he said, "My biggest concern is that the tip of Anoka was just designated a park so quick. How does that benefit Anoka? and why this (land south of High School/ aka Tract B) wouldn't be better as a park for the city?"
By the end of his spin session with the mayor he had agreed to the kid's total rephrasing, "So it's fair to say your biggest concern is that this development is too close to the river?"
Another grown man made dizzy with spin heads to his seat.
This BSer mayor said, "Your frustration is our frustration." and "We find ourselves in this position."
The amazing thing is that there were staff, council and members of the public and press in the room that knew the truth and never said anything.
Skogquist explained, "the Council has met and discussed Tract B (land south of High School) no less than two dozen times. They discussed what this parcel should be".
Why, in the world, would you discuss something two dozen times, if you had no opportuntity to purchase it?
The Facts Are:
The State, which owned the land, had in fact put the city in the place of first refusal to purchase this land for almost three years.
The Anoka County Union noted that by State directive local govts. had first dibs to purchase local surplus land the State of MN was selling.
Not only did the City of Anoka have first opportunity to purchase it; but the City actually asked for and received extra time to plan the purchase.
It was immaturity, indecision and a lack of leadership on the part of Mr.Skogquist that Anoka finds itself in this position. Plain old procrastination.
Also it was more important (and beneficial to Skogquist) to play political games with the land north, than to do comprehensive land use and financial planning on all of the city's options.
