A few days ago a group of us were brainstorming about where affordable, infill, housing might go within walking distance to downtown. A friend pointed to the MNDOT land at 510 Washington (thinking it was city land) and said, "What a perfect spot for affordable housing! It's walkable to downtown and many businesses, employees of the businesses on Hwy 3 would have affordable housing and not have to rely on a car to get to work, parks and walking paths are already established, and it has few trees on the lot. The next day I read the agenda for your meeting....and behold, this item was listed. I whole heartedly agree that the city should purchase this property from MNDOT and then partner with local businesses and non-profits to build an affordable housing complex on that parcel of land. This would solve SO many issues for the city. Yes, I support this purchase of the MNDOT land.