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Prairie Skyline Foundation urges council to delay demolition of 102 North Broadway; speaker announces mayoral bid
Summary
Prairie Skyline Foundation asked Crookston council to postpone demolition of a downtown building at 102 North Broadway, offering to acquire and restore it for nonprofit and community use; the presenter also announced a bid for mayor during public comment and answered council questions about fundraising capacity.
During open forum the Prairie Skyline Foundation asked the council to delay demolition of the former Tri Valley building at 102 (103 in the transcript) North Broadway and to consider private preservation.
Bishop Johnson, speaking on behalf of the foundation, said the group is prepared to assume stewardship: "The Prairie Skyline Foundation is prepared to acquire the property and assume responsibility at this time for its restoration and long term maintenance." The foundation proposed using the building for its headquarters with affordable office and meeting space for nonprofits; the presenter argued that preservation would protect a historic downtown landmark while avoiding future demolition costs to taxpayers.
Councilmembers asked for clearer financial documentation. Joseph said he had no objection to delaying demolition given the demolition estimate he cited: "It's, you know, $1,200,000. So I think it's worthwhile to consider alternatives." Other council members pressed whether the foundation has demonstrated a history of raising $300,000–$400,000 over five years; the presenter said grant-writing to date has yielded "thousands and thousands of dollars" and that the foundation has newer consistent donors but would need to provide detailed books to the council upon request. The chair noted council cannot respond during public comment but asked staff to follow up as appropriate.
