Caffrey told the council that the work done in the Cedar Street project would increase the property values marginally than then primarily because of the curb and gutter. They would not have increased the home values, he said, to the level of these assessments. Market value is driven by previous sales. Borden concluded his remarks and questions by stressing to the council that the people living in the project area were asking for fairness. He said no one wanted to see this matter escalate from assessment to challenges and then back to the council.
Residents speak A number of residents within the project area spoke to the council.
Steve Elkins said that the improvements were not just benefitting existing homeowners. He pointed out that the present congestion in the city is forcing people to take the side streets to avoid the blocks-long traffic on the primary roads. He said people often drive into my driveway just to turn around to park. He went on to say the Main Street School demands considerable on-street parking due to the presence of the district office and school activities. Doug Karsky said, It s unfortunate we live in a community where we have to hir an attorney to protect our property rights.