Staff
Lots in the proposed Huffman subdivision have been available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis as of Monday morning.
But none had been snatched up as of yesterday afternoon.
As reported Friday, the town elected to switch to this method after an attempt to sell them through a lottery draw last Thursday evening resulted in none being purchased.
A few people showed up for the draw at the Civic Centre, but no one entered their name in it.
The town is looking to sell the 16 lots comprising the residential subdivision, with six fronting Williams Avenue and an additional 10 on a proposed cul-de-sac.
Those interested can drop by the Civic Centre to get more information.
They also can e-mail municipal planner Faye Flatt at fflatt@fort-frances.com
Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig had noted Friday morning that with the lottery process, perhaps some potential buyers were uncomfortable coming forward in a public way.
Flatt, meanwhile, said some people have indicated the lots prices were a little too high, especially given the local economic situation.
She added the requirement to build within two years of buying a lot “is also an issue people are wrestling with.”
“In more cases than not, interested people have houses already that they would have to sell, so there’s an element of the unknown there,” she conceded.
Flatt said that, in general, people have commented that the subdivision would be good for the town, but are hesitant to put their money down.
Council previously indicated it wants at least five lots secured for sale before going ahead with the subdivision project.
Council is expected to discuss its next steps at its next regular meeting May 13.
Flatt said that depending on how many lots are sold by then, council may have to revisit the price or the requirement to build clause, or other provisions.
