Jamestown (CSi) — The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation,took no action on a proposal, but placed it on the agenda for its executive board meeting next Monday.

The proposal  to purchase a portion of the development associated with a possible big box home improvement retail store was opposed at a Special JSDC Board meeting, Monday.

Prairie Haven is located west of R.M. Stoudt, northwest of the Buffalo Mall.

Mayor Katie Andersen proposed that JSDC purchase about 43 acres of the 73-acre development for $5.6 million.

Andersen said she brought the proposal to the board as a member of the JSDC Board and not as a representative of the City Council.

JSDC attorney Joe Larson disagreed with Andersen on whether the JSDC could purchase the land, saying “Changes to the bylaws have to be approved by the city and county. If the JSDC doesn’t change its policy it does not go to the city and county.”

Larson said he was also concerned about competition issues.

The developer’s agreement between the city of Jamestown and the R.H. Johnson Co. requires the city to purchase the land.

The Prairie Haven development is a project of R.H. Johnson Co., to bring a big box home improvement store such as a Menard’s, Home Depot or Lowes to Jamestown. The development includes a number of lots around the main property for smaller businesses.

Members of the public attending the meeting questioned whether the city should take steps to lure a big box home improvement store to Jamestown.