With the wetland and soil issues on that sight, the purchase price was a fair deal for both the city and the developer. I look forward to seeing the creative design work that Ascent will bring back to us for this unique project. And yes, the article was correct, we want it to be a project that is truly international in nature and not be dominated by any one culture.

If it hasn't happened already, would you mind printing a copy for Wayne? Thank you.

Mr. Winder, you have to be kidding, offering over 7 million in this market. How much of our tax money are you going to give away immediately after raising our taxes with your sob stories every year or two? I heard Mr. Coleman vote against this sale because he said the price was a giveaway, and that made sense to me. When I heard everyone else talk it sounded like there was already a deal made with the developer, so I wonder what else went on that the public doesn't know about. This thing is fishy. Just leave that place vacant instead of giving it away with millions of dollars for another shopping center when so many dilapidated stores are surrounding the site already. I really don't get how you people think!

It is incorrect to think that we are writing a check for $7 million. We are actually getting a check from the developer ultimatley for over $2 million. Yes, if this were pristine land without soil and wetland issues we would be getting closer to $4.5 million instead of $2, but that is not the case. The balance of the money that makes up the $7 million number is in future tax breaks as the project is built and does well. If nothing is ever built, obviously that tax break is never realized.

It is still 7.2 million the taxpayers don't get for the sweetheart deal you guys made to a private developer. RDAs and land deals are crooked.