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City of Centerville <br />Council Meeting Minutes <br />July 14, 2021 <br /> <br />5,000 for State Aid, limited in land open for development and that the theory is that the leadership <br />is urbanizing the remaining land to force the population to 5,000. Mr. Brickner stated that if “rural” <br />is important to residents they may consider the views of those who run for office in the future. He <br />stated that he felt that the townhome project is way too dense. He stated that he attended a meeting <br />recently with the developer that he was lead to believe was for input but rather information for <br />residents only where the developer began their presentation with “this project will have a very <br />urban feel”. He mentioned that there was no green space for kids, pets, snow removal, etc. and <br />something you would see in a more metropolitan setting not Centerville. He also stated taxpayers <br />should not be subsidizing any development as taxes are already high in Centerville without <br />supporting contractors. He stated that the City would be subsidizing by providing the property for <br />$1 which is appraised at $350,000, contractor requested up to $150,000 for upgraded siding and <br />$80,000 for internal roadways. He also stated that according to information given at another <br />previous meeting it would take 24 years to earn back those costs. He asked if this is setting a <br />precedence with other development/redevelopment in the downtown area. He referenced the <br />Downtown Master Plan, its age and need for review/updating. He stated that previously a <br />developer was going to purchase the entire downtown area and redevelop it. He felt that that was <br />the only way the Downtown Master Plan was feasible. <br /> <br />He asked Council whether they desired this proposed project in their neighborhood and whether <br />the answer was yes and you would be in disagreement with most Centerville citizens. He stated <br />that if Council answered no, than why would you think these citizens deserve this project in their <br />neighborhood more than in yours? <br /> <br />Mr. Brickner thanked Council for their time, service to the community and making/keeping <br />Centerville a great place to live and raise a family. He stated that he believes Centerville is already <br />a great place to live, will urbanizing it make it a better place to live? Will we lose the “small town” <br />feel and sense of community with this project? He hoped that Council would make the right <br />decision for the community and the nine (9) families directly affected by the project. <br /> <br />Mr. Tom Wilharber, 6849 Centerville Road, resident for 54 years, served on P & Z, Council, <br />Mayor and all he heard was not in my neighborhood. Referenced people using the property and <br />not paying the taxes. He stated that the City has owned that property for many, many years. He <br />stated that many comments he has heard is that people do not want more development and he has <br />responded well when should the City have stopped development 50 years ago when he came, 20 <br />years ago or 15 years ago when you came. The property has sat for a very long time with the City <br />incurring expenses in maintaining it. We have finally got something that will look good there and <br />fits into both the Downtown Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan. He stated that many comments <br />that he also heard was that taxes were too high. This project that will assist in lower them and <br />help. Centerville is not be a little rural area. At some point, folks need to realize that farms are <br />developing and if it does not belong to you there is a right to sell it. He stated that he hopes that <br />Council continues with the sale of the property and the proposed development. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Koski thanked Mr. Wilharber for his input and years of dedicated service to the <br />City. <br /> <br />Page 3 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />