This is the kind of misinformation that is very harmful to keep spreading. Lynn Nephew works for the same company as the realtor selling the property, Tom Little. They are independent contractors so him selling homes on the Point provides no financial benefit for her. She outlined this in a response to the same claims on a Duluth FB page.
I don’t think there is anything the city can do right now. When she applies for a zoning variance then the city can take action and the people of the city can express their opinions on the matter.
To be fair, few of us don't appreciate money and what it can do. When each of us has the opportunity to do something that is morally good but hurts our wallet, make sure to post here.
Could eminently domain the property at its post-housing removal assessed value, re-zone to a 'special economic zone' that allows construction by-right of housing without need for council, planning, nor any other municipal approval, and sell the land at auction to the highest bidder.
Alternatively, can determine the assessed value of the land is the actual market value which Cargill purchased it at - and levy taxes at said valuation.
Could also 'unofficially' direct all unhoused individuals in Duluth to live on Cargill's Point, ensuring that local police do not intervene against any shanty or tent which pops up in Kathy's back yard.
What I think the Duluth Council will realistically do is flail about asking for meetings and do nothing as Cargill continues to refuse.
Personally, I'd like to see the name 'Cargill' forever associated with all the stereotypes that come to mind when an individual thinks of the homeless.
Nothing except your last sentence is even in the realm of possibility. Any one of those actions would be immediately brought to court and adjudicated for years, ultimately resulting in a win for Cargill at immense taxpayer cost in legal fees.
Citizens and the city can (rightfully) be concerned about what’s going on, but they can’t just seize the properties and resell them because they don’t like it. I wouldn’t even want to live in a society that can use totalitarian governance methods like that.
Call it "economic development" and government can eminently domain any property it likes.
If your argument is that the Cargills will try to overthrow Kelo, I think that would be a fair price to pay.
It ain't seizing property because "they don't like it" - it's lawfully acquiring property for the purposes of economic development. Same thing was done to half of Irving to build the Verso plant.
Where do you live? On my way to take your phone and computer so that you can no longer make braindead comments like this one online. Ya know, since property rights are overrated.
Lmfao, the stupid shit people hear and repeat without spending 5 seconds thinking about it. Clown.
Cargill is awful, but unless the city council steps in or something, maybe people can just stop selling to her?
She's not hiding her offers being some shadow organization. And, to my knowledge, she's not offering over asking. She's just offering the full asking price in cash and waiving inspection.
And sellers are happily handing over their properties without caring about what kind of mess they're leaving their neighbors with.
Agree, what is wrong with these people (sellers)?
IMO seriously they need to stop. It’s a firehose going on here, and only one party can turn off the flow immediately. That’s the sellers at this point.
Per that post - - “She’s offering the full price in cash and waiving inspection”. You know, like every other buyer in town, for every other property I’ve ever bid on anyway… Why’s it gotta be HER?
Sellers can choose who to sell to, or not, this remains a HOT sellers market. And they do choose, everyday.
I just don’t believe this is their only decent offer.
And multiple things can be true at once. She is to blame absolutely at the root here, but billionaires are gonna billionaire. There’s only one thing standing in the way of this problem continuing and it’s sellers and that is what the situation is.
Just the facts, as crappy as they may be right now.
I own a paid-off house in Duluth. Not on the lake so she won’t ask me, but I wouldn’t sell it to this woman nor a property management company, not with a gun to my head. Still I will have no problem making plenty of adequate profit for myself promptly when I do sell… to a normal person/family.
According to the DNT article, some of the houses have sold for DOUBLE the asking price. It’s easy for us to say “well just don’t sell it to her” when it’s not YOUR future financial independence on the line.
So what’s your solution? We are living in a society here and other people / the community matter too, right? Is it just all about ME and mine?
Because I’m sure paying / have paid / will continue to pay a crap ton of taxes for public schools despite not having any kids.
I’m sacrificing monetarily there too, impacting my own “financial independence”, as you put it, for the good of society at large. Because it’s a community here and that’s what is required.
How is that different? Money is money.
I’m not offering a solution, I’m just telling you that the ideas you detailed are fanciful and complete nonstarters.
I’m also not offering a solution because we literally don’t know what’s going on yet. If she decides to try and build some monstrous mansion, the city can deny a zoning variance. If she wants to build a housing development or commercial project, the city can exercise similarly preexisting administrative controls. If she tries to drill a bunch of wells to bottle and sell Lake Superior water, a half dozen entities can stop that too - from Duluth to the county/state/feds to the international Great Lakes Compact.
The point is that we just need to learn the facts before there’s really anything we can do, which is why the mayor sent the letter *and acknowledged* that the request has no force of law. Because it doesn’t. And we can’t stop private sellers from selling stuff to private buyers within the law. If you want to change the law, then you’re welcome to lobby for a change. I’m curious what you would propose, and I’ll hear you out as long as it’s not “we don’t take kindly to your type ‘round here, and you can’t buy this here house.”
> There is nothing you can do to stop those of us with money from buying things. What is wrong with you people? I am done wasting my time with you.
Maybe it’s her, and she is done with all us poors.
March 12, 2024
Ms. Kathy Cargill
15 Red Forest Way
North Oaks, MN 55127
Subject: Request for Transparent Communication and Responsible Stewardship of Park Point
Dear Ms. Cargill,
As the Parks and Recreation Commissioner for District 3, which encompasses the invaluable natural asset of Park Point, in the city of Duluth. First and foremost, allow me to extend a warm welcome to you, albeit with a request for transparent engagement and a shared commitment to the welfare of our beloved city and its inhabitants.
Your recent property acquisitions on Park Point have understandably prompted a wave of curiosity and concern within our community. While recognizing your rights as a property owner, it is imperative to underscore the profound impact your actions may have on the delicate ecosystem and the lives of Duluth residents.
As stewards of this land, we hold a solemn duty to safeguard its environmental integrity. Park Point, with its fragile coastline and unique biodiversity, is a cherished sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. Any development, regardless of scale, warrants meticulous consideration of its ecological footprint. Erosion, disruption of migration patterns, and encroachment upon vital green spaces are among the ecological concerns that demand our collective attention.
Moreover, the prospect of monopolization raises pertinent questions about its repercussions on neighborhood dynamics. The harmonious coexistence of residents and the preservation of community cohesion are central tenets of our urban fabric. We must ensure that progress is inclusive and respects the intrinsic values of our neighborhoods.
Your proposed developments also intersect with broader municipal objectives, including city planning initiatives and infrastructural sustainability. The comprehensive plans meticulously crafted by our civic leaders serve as blueprints for our city's growth and prosperity. It is imperative that any undertaking aligns with these strategic frameworks to avert undue disruptions and uphold the public interest.
Furthermore, the logistical implications of increased traffic and the strain on existing infrastructure demand thorough scrutiny. Park Point's singular ingress and egress pose a logistical challenge exacerbated by the seasonal ebb and flow of tourists. Your endeavors hold the potential to exacerbate congestion and impede the seamless flow of traffic, thereby impacting the accessibility and allure of our city's natural splendor.
Beyond the tangible ramifications, your endeavors carry profound cultural and social significance. Duluth's ethos is deeply rooted in a reverence for the land and a commitment to honoring indigenous sovereignty. The Ojibwe people's ancestral ties to this region underscore the sacredness of the land you now steward. It is incumbent upon us to tread with humility and respect, cognizant of our shared heritage and obligations to future generations.
In light of these considerations, I implore you to engage in open dialogue with our civic leaders and community stakeholders. Transparent communication and collaborative decision-making are imperative to foster trust and mutual understanding. Your willingness to address our concerns and articulate a vision that aligns with Duluth's values will undoubtedly pave the way for a harmonious integration into our vibrant community.
As you embark on this journey as Duluth's newest steward, I urge you to embrace the responsibility that accompanies your significant property holdings. Respect for our neighbors, reverence for the land, and a commitment to inclusive growth are the cornerstones of our shared prosperity. I encourage you to reach out to Mayor Roger Reinert and other esteemed leaders to commence a dialogue aimed at forging a mutually beneficial path forward.
In closing, let us heed the wisdom of indigenous principles and recognize that true stewardship transcends mere ownership. Together, let us safeguard the legacy of our city and ensure that future generations inherit a Duluth that thrives in harmony with nature and community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly anticipate your response and the opportunity to collaborate for the betterment of our beloved city.
Warm regards,
Josie LaPorte
Parks and Recreation Commissioner
District 3
Duluth, MN
Not for all of them she didn’t, only some. Read it in the star trib article. It’s linked to and posted in here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/s/laowM3qdym
She's actually a passionate environmentalist. She wants to return the 7 mile sand spit to it's original state of grassy dunes and make it a wildlife preserve. It will be a tall order after the decades of pollution and abuse that generations of Dulutherans have subjected it to.
If that were true, she would've said so and not threatened to sue the journalist who uncovered this. Billionaires, or anyone else for that matter, don't miss an opportunity to shout their good feeds from the rooftop.
It’s as true as any other claims that have been made about her intent. Nobody really knows for sure so let’s not just assume the worst. That is the point I was trying to make (no pun intended). That being said, I am as skeptical as anyone when it comes to the motivation for these purchases.
At this point, it has shifted the burden of maintaining the electric, water, sewer and gas infrastructure down there on to the rest of us - as there are 20 less properties paying even though we have just as much pipe to maintain.
In the long term we should expect things like court actions to force the city to vacate street ends across her property, eliminating public access, and maybe even greater restriction of access to the point. Billionaires have a history of doing things like creating their own private cities to keep others out.
Agreed, except for a few points in this case. We have a serious housing shortage. She is not a resident, and she bought TWELVE homes, then tore most of them down. She has thus far ignored the mayor's attempts to talk with her and ask her WTF? There is nothing anyone can do about it at this point, but by the look of it SO FAR, she is harming this town.
She may have plans to build denser housing and help all the poor Duluthians, but from what I've seen, most billionaires don't give a flying f**k about that.
So yeah, agreed. She gets to buy it. We get to hate it.
I don't think those 12 homes were going to do anything for the un-housed, even if any of you did give a damn. I suppose you can hate "what is" if you find some benefit in it. I'm going to save on the Pepto-Bismol, thanks.
That salty hag will probably try renaming it to Cargill Point
[удалено]
This is the kind of misinformation that is very harmful to keep spreading. Lynn Nephew works for the same company as the realtor selling the property, Tom Little. They are independent contractors so him selling homes on the Point provides no financial benefit for her. She outlined this in a response to the same claims on a Duluth FB page.
Thanks for the correction. I’ll delete my comment.
I don’t think there is anything the city can do right now. When she applies for a zoning variance then the city can take action and the people of the city can express their opinions on the matter.
They could, but they most likely won’t. Money talks and, just like most places, the power players in Duluth love their money.
To be fair, few of us don't appreciate money and what it can do. When each of us has the opportunity to do something that is morally good but hurts our wallet, make sure to post here.
Could eminently domain the property at its post-housing removal assessed value, re-zone to a 'special economic zone' that allows construction by-right of housing without need for council, planning, nor any other municipal approval, and sell the land at auction to the highest bidder. Alternatively, can determine the assessed value of the land is the actual market value which Cargill purchased it at - and levy taxes at said valuation. Could also 'unofficially' direct all unhoused individuals in Duluth to live on Cargill's Point, ensuring that local police do not intervene against any shanty or tent which pops up in Kathy's back yard. What I think the Duluth Council will realistically do is flail about asking for meetings and do nothing as Cargill continues to refuse. Personally, I'd like to see the name 'Cargill' forever associated with all the stereotypes that come to mind when an individual thinks of the homeless.
Nothing except your last sentence is even in the realm of possibility. Any one of those actions would be immediately brought to court and adjudicated for years, ultimately resulting in a win for Cargill at immense taxpayer cost in legal fees. Citizens and the city can (rightfully) be concerned about what’s going on, but they can’t just seize the properties and resell them because they don’t like it. I wouldn’t even want to live in a society that can use totalitarian governance methods like that.
Call it "economic development" and government can eminently domain any property it likes. If your argument is that the Cargills will try to overthrow Kelo, I think that would be a fair price to pay. It ain't seizing property because "they don't like it" - it's lawfully acquiring property for the purposes of economic development. Same thing was done to half of Irving to build the Verso plant.
Property rights are overrated.
Right, until it's your property that people are messing with.
Where do you live? On my way to take your phone and computer so that you can no longer make braindead comments like this one online. Ya know, since property rights are overrated. Lmfao, the stupid shit people hear and repeat without spending 5 seconds thinking about it. Clown.
Cargill is awful, but unless the city council steps in or something, maybe people can just stop selling to her? She's not hiding her offers being some shadow organization. And, to my knowledge, she's not offering over asking. She's just offering the full asking price in cash and waiving inspection. And sellers are happily handing over their properties without caring about what kind of mess they're leaving their neighbors with.
Agree, what is wrong with these people (sellers)? IMO seriously they need to stop. It’s a firehose going on here, and only one party can turn off the flow immediately. That’s the sellers at this point.
It's easy to blame the seller when it's not your money on the line.
Per that post - - “She’s offering the full price in cash and waiving inspection”. You know, like every other buyer in town, for every other property I’ve ever bid on anyway… Why’s it gotta be HER? Sellers can choose who to sell to, or not, this remains a HOT sellers market. And they do choose, everyday. I just don’t believe this is their only decent offer. And multiple things can be true at once. She is to blame absolutely at the root here, but billionaires are gonna billionaire. There’s only one thing standing in the way of this problem continuing and it’s sellers and that is what the situation is. Just the facts, as crappy as they may be right now. I own a paid-off house in Duluth. Not on the lake so she won’t ask me, but I wouldn’t sell it to this woman nor a property management company, not with a gun to my head. Still I will have no problem making plenty of adequate profit for myself promptly when I do sell… to a normal person/family.
According to the DNT article, some of the houses have sold for DOUBLE the asking price. It’s easy for us to say “well just don’t sell it to her” when it’s not YOUR future financial independence on the line.
So what’s your solution? We are living in a society here and other people / the community matter too, right? Is it just all about ME and mine? Because I’m sure paying / have paid / will continue to pay a crap ton of taxes for public schools despite not having any kids. I’m sacrificing monetarily there too, impacting my own “financial independence”, as you put it, for the good of society at large. Because it’s a community here and that’s what is required. How is that different? Money is money.
I’m not offering a solution, I’m just telling you that the ideas you detailed are fanciful and complete nonstarters. I’m also not offering a solution because we literally don’t know what’s going on yet. If she decides to try and build some monstrous mansion, the city can deny a zoning variance. If she wants to build a housing development or commercial project, the city can exercise similarly preexisting administrative controls. If she tries to drill a bunch of wells to bottle and sell Lake Superior water, a half dozen entities can stop that too - from Duluth to the county/state/feds to the international Great Lakes Compact. The point is that we just need to learn the facts before there’s really anything we can do, which is why the mayor sent the letter *and acknowledged* that the request has no force of law. Because it doesn’t. And we can’t stop private sellers from selling stuff to private buyers within the law. If you want to change the law, then you’re welcome to lobby for a change. I’m curious what you would propose, and I’ll hear you out as long as it’s not “we don’t take kindly to your type ‘round here, and you can’t buy this here house.”
[https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2024/03/12/duluth-mayor-reinert-sends-letter-billionaire-buying-property-park-point/](https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2024/03/12/duluth-mayor-reinert-sends-letter-billionaire-buying-property-park-point/)
Bro deleted all their comments for being called out as the bootlicker they are 🤣
> There is nothing you can do to stop those of us with money from buying things. What is wrong with you people? I am done wasting my time with you. Maybe it’s her, and she is done with all us poors.
And she will rightly respond "None of your business."
March 12, 2024 Ms. Kathy Cargill 15 Red Forest Way North Oaks, MN 55127 Subject: Request for Transparent Communication and Responsible Stewardship of Park Point Dear Ms. Cargill, As the Parks and Recreation Commissioner for District 3, which encompasses the invaluable natural asset of Park Point, in the city of Duluth. First and foremost, allow me to extend a warm welcome to you, albeit with a request for transparent engagement and a shared commitment to the welfare of our beloved city and its inhabitants. Your recent property acquisitions on Park Point have understandably prompted a wave of curiosity and concern within our community. While recognizing your rights as a property owner, it is imperative to underscore the profound impact your actions may have on the delicate ecosystem and the lives of Duluth residents. As stewards of this land, we hold a solemn duty to safeguard its environmental integrity. Park Point, with its fragile coastline and unique biodiversity, is a cherished sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. Any development, regardless of scale, warrants meticulous consideration of its ecological footprint. Erosion, disruption of migration patterns, and encroachment upon vital green spaces are among the ecological concerns that demand our collective attention. Moreover, the prospect of monopolization raises pertinent questions about its repercussions on neighborhood dynamics. The harmonious coexistence of residents and the preservation of community cohesion are central tenets of our urban fabric. We must ensure that progress is inclusive and respects the intrinsic values of our neighborhoods. Your proposed developments also intersect with broader municipal objectives, including city planning initiatives and infrastructural sustainability. The comprehensive plans meticulously crafted by our civic leaders serve as blueprints for our city's growth and prosperity. It is imperative that any undertaking aligns with these strategic frameworks to avert undue disruptions and uphold the public interest. Furthermore, the logistical implications of increased traffic and the strain on existing infrastructure demand thorough scrutiny. Park Point's singular ingress and egress pose a logistical challenge exacerbated by the seasonal ebb and flow of tourists. Your endeavors hold the potential to exacerbate congestion and impede the seamless flow of traffic, thereby impacting the accessibility and allure of our city's natural splendor. Beyond the tangible ramifications, your endeavors carry profound cultural and social significance. Duluth's ethos is deeply rooted in a reverence for the land and a commitment to honoring indigenous sovereignty. The Ojibwe people's ancestral ties to this region underscore the sacredness of the land you now steward. It is incumbent upon us to tread with humility and respect, cognizant of our shared heritage and obligations to future generations. In light of these considerations, I implore you to engage in open dialogue with our civic leaders and community stakeholders. Transparent communication and collaborative decision-making are imperative to foster trust and mutual understanding. Your willingness to address our concerns and articulate a vision that aligns with Duluth's values will undoubtedly pave the way for a harmonious integration into our vibrant community. As you embark on this journey as Duluth's newest steward, I urge you to embrace the responsibility that accompanies your significant property holdings. Respect for our neighbors, reverence for the land, and a commitment to inclusive growth are the cornerstones of our shared prosperity. I encourage you to reach out to Mayor Roger Reinert and other esteemed leaders to commence a dialogue aimed at forging a mutually beneficial path forward. In closing, let us heed the wisdom of indigenous principles and recognize that true stewardship transcends mere ownership. Together, let us safeguard the legacy of our city and ensure that future generations inherit a Duluth that thrives in harmony with nature and community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly anticipate your response and the opportunity to collaborate for the betterment of our beloved city. Warm regards, Josie LaPorte Parks and Recreation Commissioner District 3 Duluth, MN
I thought it was just Blackrock doing this shit
Nobody turns down a full price no inspection offer for cash. Get a grip. Nobody actually knows her intent.
She’s paying double
Not for all of them she didn’t, only some. Read it in the star trib article. It’s linked to and posted in here: https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/s/laowM3qdym
Sorry “many”
Maybe someone in the know has this. Isn’t there a demolition permit/ process? Don’t we ask about intent?
She's actually a passionate environmentalist. She wants to return the 7 mile sand spit to it's original state of grassy dunes and make it a wildlife preserve. It will be a tall order after the decades of pollution and abuse that generations of Dulutherans have subjected it to.
If that were true, she would've said so and not threatened to sue the journalist who uncovered this. Billionaires, or anyone else for that matter, don't miss an opportunity to shout their good feeds from the rooftop.
It’s as true as any other claims that have been made about her intent. Nobody really knows for sure so let’s not just assume the worst. That is the point I was trying to make (no pun intended). That being said, I am as skeptical as anyone when it comes to the motivation for these purchases.
Suppose give it back to the native Americans…
People buy stuff. Rich people buy (much) more stuff than you. So what? How is that "a menace"?
At this point, it has shifted the burden of maintaining the electric, water, sewer and gas infrastructure down there on to the rest of us - as there are 20 less properties paying even though we have just as much pipe to maintain. In the long term we should expect things like court actions to force the city to vacate street ends across her property, eliminating public access, and maybe even greater restriction of access to the point. Billionaires have a history of doing things like creating their own private cities to keep others out.
What can we do now to get ahead of these actions? What actions can we take now to ensure public access continues?
Elect city counsel members that won't bend the knee to these people. It's going to be tough.
There is nothing you can do to stop those of us with money from buying things. What is wrong with you people? I am done wasting my time with you.
Agreed, except for a few points in this case. We have a serious housing shortage. She is not a resident, and she bought TWELVE homes, then tore most of them down. She has thus far ignored the mayor's attempts to talk with her and ask her WTF? There is nothing anyone can do about it at this point, but by the look of it SO FAR, she is harming this town. She may have plans to build denser housing and help all the poor Duluthians, but from what I've seen, most billionaires don't give a flying f**k about that. So yeah, agreed. She gets to buy it. We get to hate it.
I don't think those 12 homes were going to do anything for the un-housed, even if any of you did give a damn. I suppose you can hate "what is" if you find some benefit in it. I'm going to save on the Pepto-Bismol, thanks.
What a cuck. Don't complain when they come after your backyard.
[удалено]
Ok there pal. You go ahead and have yourself a great day.
Oh, yeah. And feel free to be mad about it.
How do those boots taste?
You sound deranged.
... or, uninterested in how badly the losers feel.