Several Saint Francis residents used the 2026 budget public hearing to air concerns about a proposed redevelopment of the city-owned "Triangle" property.

At the microphone, Marty Sahorski said the community group "Community Fair Triangle" opposes a plan described by residents as "primarily apartments and parking." Sahorski said the 2015'2016 comprehensive plan did not include the word "apartment" and argued the site is too valuable for high-rise apartments and large parking lots that could increase runoff into adjacent backyards.

"We prefer condominiums or townhomes or townhouses . . . something that people have to buy into the triangle because then they'll keep it better," Sahorski said, adding that residents want a downtown destination, small retail, and public space rather than a large rental complex.

William Gerloff, a homeowner of 39 years, suggested the city and developers consider single-family subdivisions, small retail, and a town square to encourage longer-term residency and increase property-tax revenue.

Mariano Skifalakwa told the council he had been told for years the Triangle would be a town-square-style development with two- to three-story condos and retail; he said a sudden proposal for a high-rise apartment building is out of character with what he and other residents expect and urged officials to prioritize development that benefits local citizens rather than outside developers and investors.

City Administrator Mark Johnsrud told the public the Triangle property is in Tax Increment District (TID) 5 and that TID 5 expenditures are tracked separately; he said there is no development agreement yet, only an initial PUD and no detailed PUD or negotiations with a developer at this time.

Speakers asked that public comment opportunities on Triangle development be available at planning commission meetings when the project returns for review. Council members acknowledged resident concerns and said the project is still in an early phase and not finalized.