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Resident urges council to slow planned property acquisitions, flags Washington School and downtown sites
Summary
A public commenter told Crookston City Council members that four parcels — including Washington School and a large Memorial Drive structure — appear to be moving toward city acquisition "for a low rate" without full demolition or reuse plans and urged the council to confirm plans before voting.
A resident opened the meeting by urging the Crookston City Council to pause and clarify several property acquisitions the city is pursuing.
The commenter named four addresses of concern — 102 North Broadway; 1298 Memorial Drive (a large structure the city is seeking to absorb); 724 University Avenue (identified as Washington School); and 500 Ingresol Avenue (referred to as the Egg facility) — and said the city was "absorbing" parcels "for a low rate" and then leaving taxpayers to pay follow-up costs. "It seems like kind of a shoein operation," the speaker said, and asked whether council members were endorsing a plan or simply following a predetermined outcome.
The comment focused on city processes rather than a single transaction: the commenter questioned the timing of acquisitions while other streets and priorities in Crookston need attention and urged council to ensure full demolition plans and transparent cost estimates before committing public funds.
Council members responded with corrections and clarifications. One member said, "We don't own Washington School. Not yet," and others noted that some parcels discussed were not currently city-owned. A council member said there was not an appetite at that time to purchase Washington School while a separate demolition was underway.
Why it matters: The remarks flagged transparency and prioritization concerns as the council considers several property and redevelopment items on its agenda. Council members acknowledged the need for clearer information and indicated several items would be discussed during regular agenda items later in the meeting or returned with additional staff recommendations.
The meeting then proceeded to the formal agenda.
