The availability of sewer and water within the MUSA naturally increases the
value of the land, because without public utilities the developer has to
either pay to get utilities to the property or build fewer homes on a septic
system. The land cost comparison made by KARE ignores the cost of the public
infrastructure (roads, utilities, schools, etc.) that is already in place in
the region's core and would be required on the fringes to support
large-scale development. It also ignores the value of being in close
proximity to jobs and services (shopping, medical, schools again, etc.).
The report is also politically motivated. The study was commissioned by the
Building Association of the Twin Cities, a group that would like the MUSA
line extended so that its members have more large green fields to develop.
In Minneapolis, we should support the Met Council's smart growth policy so
that we take advantage of the existing infrastructure instead of unduly
subsidizing exurban developments by extending sewer/water, building new
roads and schools, etc., beyond what is necessary.
John Rocker
JCR Realty Advisors/
National Survey Systems
3211 Fremont Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55408
