Resident brings up future of Linden Hill center

LITTLE FALLS -- A Little Falls resident addressed the Little Falls City Council Monday during its planning meeting about the future of the Linden Hill Retreat and Conference Center.

Susan Prosapio, who said she represents several residents interested in Linden Hill, asked the council if it would be possible if a group could be formed to look at what the community would like to see happen to the conference center. Prosapio is a Little Falls School Board member.

In March, the city approved advertising for proposals for the future use of the mansions, now a city-owned conference center, through Sept. 30. The city council then decided that all proposals would remain sealed until after the September date.

Prosapio said if the council has an idea of what the community would like done that this may help council members when considering the proposals.

Council member Kate Zak Davis said, "Shouldn't we have done this before we sent out the proposal requirements? I think now is a little late ... I would like to read the proposals with an open mind. The public voice will be heard during the process."

Council member Mike LeMieur said he had no problem with Prosapio's idea.

The Linden Hill property is zoned a planned unit development and any proposals, other than a retreat or conference center, are expected to fit the city's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.

The Linden Hill property contains the Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions on 10 acres of land on the Mississippi River, a caretaker's home, a garage/stable, a covered patio and a small schoolhouse and playhouse.

JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.