Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council on Thursday afternoon, at 2:30-p.m., at City Hall, held a Public Hearing, concerning the request from Eagle Flats Apartments LLC for a tax abatement under N.D.C.C. Section 40-57.1 for a period of fifteen (15) years for the development of a low to moderate income based 1, 2 and 3 bedroom unit building with green space, playground and parking in Downtown Jamestown in the former Eagles Club building. Eagle Flats, involves demolishing the current vacant Eagles building and constructing a multi-story housing unit.

All council members were present.

A presentation was made by Asset Management, with Common Wealth, the developer.  A  background on the company was given.

He showed a project similar to the one planned for Jamestown.

The Jamestown project is geared to provide affordable housing. The developer has requested to pay $35,000 per year for 15 years rather than the normal property taxes estimated at almost $80,000 per year.  The financing aspect of the project was explained in conjunction with the Tax Abatement.

Mayor Heinrich welcomed those from the audience to make comments.

David Kline from the Great Plains Housing Authority in Jamestown spoke in favor of the project, especially three bedrooms housing and accessibility, under ADA guidelines, plus integration of all individuals within the community.

In opposition, to the project, homeowner, Dwight Rasmussen said, his property taxes increase each year, and is opposed to the projects tax abatement, and pay for what the property is worth.

The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session Thursday evening at City Hall, at 5-p.m.  All members were present.

Discussion was held on the request from Eagle Flats Apartments LLC for a tax abatement

The negotiating committee consisting of the city county , school district met earlier this week, and approved a 2.5 percent yearly increase in the $35,000, payment in lieu of taxes, per year for 15 years rather than the normal property taxes estimated at almost $80,000 per year . The City Council, Thursday unanimously approved the motion to accept the increase.

Also considered was the request from Commonwealth Company (Eagle Flats Apartments LLC) requesting the preliminary  approval to lease 20 city owned parking spaces for one dollar annually for the Eagle Flats, LLC Project. All members were present.

The request was tabled indefinitely, pending the developer receiving additional information.

The Public Hearing was adjourned.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.