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Clarence Russell’s letter of Oct. 11, “Miller wants to spend your money” missed many important facts.
The Phillips development in Pleasant Valley is one that many people seem to enjoy taking shots at. Here are a few facts that Russell failed to include in his letter. Let’s assume that the $2.1 million project cost that Russell states is correct. His statement of how the project will be paid for is misleading. What he fails to point out (and many people do that oppose the Phillips development) is that this $2.1 million investment in utilities is capable of serving a total of 1,212 acres in Pleasant Valley. This is according to a Pleasant Valley Development map prepared by the city planning department a few years back. A quick study of the map also reveals that not all of those 1,212 acres can or will be developed and some already have been like Spring Brook, Valley View Estates and a few miscellaneous houses that spread throughout the valley. However, it’s important for people to understand that only 125 acres or 210 city lots would need to be developed from within the 1,212 developable acres for the city to recoup its initial $2.1 million investment.
It would appear that the long view financial upside to the city is huge and therefore a wise investment in the viability of Winona’s future.
Russell also tries to include in the cost of the project other “hidden costs” such as providing the police and fire service, street maintenance and other city services for the area. I believe that is what city taxes are used for so I’m not sure why they would be relevant to his argument of the financial viability of the Phillips project.
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