Sounds like the community is heading toward consent involving what’s turned into a controversy surrounding 122 acres of land known as the Donahue property.
The final meeting intended to gather input on what to do with the land that was provided to the city by the Donahue family appeared to turn a corner.
City Attorney Steve Shermoen boiled down the most vocal sentiment: People are angry that Matt Donahue is gaining money and getting a tax break by providing the property to the city and people do not think money should be spent to develop the land.
Clearly, it appears that some mistakes or misguidance occurred when the deal was made. Questions remain about why the appraisal on the property was conducted by a Hibbing appraiser and whether appropriate information was provided for an accurate appraisal.
But, as Shermoen noted, the city has a contract with Donahue and could face a lawsuit if it violates that contract.
Options for the property are still plentiful; selling to the highest bidder among them. Relatives of Matt Donahue have said, even he couldn’t sell the property, which is what led to the city gaining it.
But it seems there is consent among city officials that now is not the time to spend money developing the land. Sure, these options could be explored, but we agree that there are other, more pressing spending needs in the city at this time.
The question that now must be answered is simple: Is it in the city’s best interest to create a trail and a monument at the cheapest cost and keep the property as is until a reasonable and profitable future use or need for it becomes clear or sell it up to the highest bidder?
We urge city officials to consider that question and put this issue to bed soon to allow more focus on the needs at hand.
