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includes an independent living component that was not part of the earlier plan. Economic <br />Development Manager Sullivan concluded that the proposal represents a return to the original <br />vision for the site and said he believes the development would be a good fit, particularly because <br />of its proximity to the VA clinic, which could create additional synergy for the area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley stated that he agreed with the earlier comments regarding the project. He <br />noted that the previous proposal was not supported when it did not include an independent living <br />component, and he believes that the addition makes a meaningful difference. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley said the independent living units would bring more residents to the area <br />who could support local businesses, restaurants, and other services. He indicated that he supports <br />the project in concept but suggested that the City Council may want to discuss it further or <br />negotiate the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) request. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman stated that while he agrees that bringing more people to the area is important, he <br />has concerns about the overall balance of development in the City’s Cor area. He said he <br />appreciates developments like Skyline that include ground-floor retail space and believes that <br />approach helps create activity and destinations in the downtown area. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman expressed concern that the City could end up with a downtown center that <br />includes many housing developments but limited restaurants and commercial amenities. He noted <br />that the City has limited property available in the Cor area and cautioned that filling it with too <br />much housing could leave residents with too few activities. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman then directed a question to the Police Chief, asking about potential calls for <br />service and how a development like the proposed senior housing facility might affect police <br />resources. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml responded that calls for service would likely increase with the addition of the <br />facility, noting that this is typical when a larger number of people live in a smaller area, similar to <br />apartment developments. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml said he was encouraged to hear that the facility plans to have an on-site <br />physician. He explained that many calls from senior housing facilities involve situations in which <br />residents need assistance, such as lift assistance or help with moving, rather than significant <br />medical emergencies. He noted that these types of calls often require assistance from the police or <br />fire department for transportation or support, rather than direct medical treatment. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that he appreciated the information provided by staff and the <br />development team. He then asked for clarification about the process for creating a new TIF district. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked whether establishing the district would require State approval or <br />whether the City has the authority to create the district on its own and requested an explanation of <br />the process. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / March 10, 2026 <br />Page 7 of 21 <br />