Council waives $10,000 assessment on Nature View Estates lots and asks staff to return with 24‑month extension and tax‑incentive options

Crookston City Council approved Resolution 8.03 to waive a $10,000 special assessment on lots in the Nature View Estates development and discussed options to encourage new home construction on those parcels.

Delane summarized the developer-agreement history: the city entered into the 2020 agreement with Nature View Development LLC (identified in the record as owned by Bob Herkinoff). Under that agreement the city could impose a $10,000 special assessment on each lot if substantial construction did not occur within two years and such lots would not be eligible for city tax-abatement programs. Delane told the council that COVID-era market conditions, supply shortages and contractor scarcity delayed construction and that 10 lots currently remain subject to the assessment; several of those are owned by a firm referenced in the record as "Cheetah." Delane said a buyer has a contract pending this council action and is planning to build a house within several months.

Council members discussed alternatives: extending the deadlines in the developer agreement (one member suggested a 24‑month extension) and making the tax-payment or tax-abatement programs available to current owners to spur development. Staff said council has discretion to change the 2020 agreement and would bring back a resolution that would extend the timeline and address tax‑incentive eligibility. A motion to approve the waiver (contingent on sale and construction plans) carried on roll call.

Why it matters: Waiving the special assessment and considering an extension or tax incentives could remove a financial barrier for builders and encourage residential development intended to expand the city's tax base. The council emphasized fairness given pandemic-era delays and asked staff to return with proposed language for an extension and program eligibility.