[Winona Online Democracy]
Title: Virtual Debate - Jerry Miller
note.. I'm posting for Jerry as we had a technical glitch in his
post being held up by the MN Forum software because it came as a file.
Randy Schenkat
Post of Jerry
Miller.
VIRTUAL
DEBATE-WINONA ONLINE DEMOCRACY
When it comes to city growth and development, is bigger the same thing
as better? What is your long-range view; say 10 to 20 years out,
on boundaries of City of Winona and how townships and county are
involved in any possible changes?
My idea for growth and development in the future is to be an
environment that fosters entrepreneurial spirit in the business
community. The cornerstone of Winona has been our local
entrepreneurs who have dreamed about business opportunities and gone
on to create the companies. Many individuals give credit to the
entrepreneurial spirit of Ben and Rudy Miller who not only created
businesses themselves but who helped others dream and open their own
companies. I want Winona to continue to be the place where the
dreams of the young create our future businesses.
This growth only happens when the community is perceived by businesses
as a good place to be. Winona offers a solid, diverse
manufacturing community, an unsurpassed system of educational
opportunities including higher education, a vibrant health care system
expanding for the future, a growing and expanding retail center, a
service industry to meet the needs of the community and beyond, and
park and recreational activities for all. Winona is a place for
businesses to grow. We do have a weak link and that is the
availability of land. Winona has done a good job of utilizing
the land available, redeveloping sites such as Second and Huff Street
when appropriate, and creating new such as Riverbend. However,
this is just the beginning of the need for land for our future
entrepreneurs.
There will continue to be developers looking to provide housing
choices for new and existing residents. The City of Winona has
been a leader in receiving grants for neighborhood redevelopment.
Millions of dollars have been spent over the last twenty years to
improve the condition of existing housing in the central city
neighborhoods. Drive through our neighborhoods and you will see
homes which are being improved and decent, well cared for properties.
While we continue to use resources to improve our existing
neighborhoods, developers are creating new housing options in and
around the City of Winona. The City plans to continue to work
with developers to provide housing options, use good environmental
processes and utilize the infrastructure offered by the City.
This development may occur outside the existing city boundaries.
The City of Winona Comprehensive Plan talked about growth occurring
outside our boundaries and bringing the development into the city.
The City will work with the townships and consult with the county as
requests are presented for annexation. I still hope that the
City and the township can approve an orderly annexation process.
I would see the City of Winona growing up Highway 43 to Interstate
90. This area would provide needed property for the industrial
and commercial growth we will see in the future. This corridor
will give the potential for land for businesses which need large land
tracts, city services and good transportation.
The City of Winona is a regional center and provides services and jobs
for the surrounding cities and townships including a significant area
in Wisconsin. Winona is able to provide the services needed by
businesses and support the residential developments in other
surrounding areas. Winona's stability and growth is important
to all the surrounding area. As the major employment base, our
jobs are the jobs for everyone in the area. Our success in
keeping our existing businesses, helping them grow and providing
opportunities for new business requires additional land with municipal
infrastructure. The City must look beyond its boundaries for
this growth to occur.
--
Randy Schenkat 1358 Skyline Dr. Winona, Mn
55987 507-452-7168
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