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"The south lots are owned by Pemtom Land Company, Dan Herbst," he said. "The natural amenities in those lots are going to drive the values and prices." After looking at drawings, Mayor Mary Thun stated, "I see a lot of road with a lot of garages. Is there any way you can kind of switch it up a bit? In Victoria we'd like a little more creativity. I'd encourage you at this stage of the game to look at other options." Mr. Mullenbach replied, "Some of the things are dictated by weather. Some of the character and feel take time -- the growth of trees, for example." Stated Holly Kreft, "The staff is supportive of this plan. Any feedback from councilmembers is helpful." "I think this plan is much better than the one approved," said Councilmember Tom O'Connor. "It protects the wetlands and it's a much better park solution." The new park proposal will require much less grading and allows for future expansion when the property to the west develops. Said Mr. Mullenbach, "We just wanted to take the temperature and see if there's a comfort level before we cut loose on our engineering. We want the park basically as the city wants it." Concluded Mayor Thun, "We're enthused and glad you're pushing ahead."
PARTIES INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING VICTORIA PROPERTY SOUTH OF LAKE WASSERMAN A 90-minute workshop was held Monday evening, November 28th, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., that included members of the Victoria City Council, the Victoria Planning Commission, the Victoria Park and Recreation Committee, and members of the Victoria City Staff. Purpose of the joint meeting was to give city staff direction as to the extent the City of Victoria may or may not be willing to financially assist developers or landowners who want to develop property in Victoria -- especially the land parcel on the southwestern shores of Lake Wasserman. City Administrator Don Uram said there are developers wanting to know whether the City of Victoria might be willing to assist in financing or partnering due to the high cost of infrastructure such as sewer and water as well as the construction of trails. He sought direction of elected and appointed city representatives. Direction given that night of November 28th was not precise, which meant that developers would not be receiving deviation from normal city procedures; they would not be receiving financial assistance from the taxpayers of the City of Victoria -- at least not at this time. However, discussion has not ended. City support to developers could mean the recuperation of benefits down the road, depending on the economy and the decisions of future elected and appointed leaders. The city, however, has no current emergency situation to act or react. Discussion will continue because of the unusual parameters of the day. The next joint meeting of the above parties may be held in March 2012. *** "Why are we here?" asked City Administrator Don Uram as he led the evening's discussion and presentation. "The world is a different place today than in 2006 from a housing standpoint," said Mr. Uram. "We all question what's gong to happen in the future. About 80% of our city revenue comes from property taxes. We rely on future growth. We rely on building permit fees. Each new home in Victoria generates $11,000 in revenues." A handout that evening delineated the revenue as such: *Permit Fees: $4,695 (on a $300,000 home) *Sewer Core Fee $1,650 *Water Core Fee $2,250 *Park Improvement Fee $2,500 $11,095
"Few developers remain," said Mr. Uram. "A small-time developer cannot secure financing. There's pretty stiff competition. Developers today are looking for solid business deals. They can't roll the dice on pricing. "The city may need to change how we do business. The city may need to participate in incentive development, through the possible deferment of development fees or code flexibility and other things. We're also looking for general direction on resources, on parks and trails." Holly Kreft, Community Development Director, reviewed the difference between a developer's Sketch Plat, Preliminary Plat, and Final Plat.
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Sue’s Album A symphony of photos and fewer than a thousand words at www.VictoriaGazette.com |
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December 2011 |
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WATERBROOKE Fellowship A place where all may experience God in a meaningful and personal way, in Victoria. 952-443-0062 |
