Willmar business owner rebuffed in efforts to obtain use of land from the city | News

(Willmar MN-) A Willmar business owner is frustrated with The City of Willmar as he attempts to purchase city property under The 1st Street Bridge. Jason Butler owns City Line Towing, and 18 months ago, purchased property under the east side of the 1st Street Bridge which he is using for vehicle storage. Butler also owns property under the west side of the bridge, and the city owns a 50 foot lot separating Butler’s two properties. Butler says last September he got an easement from the city to use the property, and put up a fence. But this spring Butler was told he did not have permission to use the property and was ordered to take down the fence. He says about a month ago he was asked to present the city with a purchase agreement for the property, which he did, but Butler says it was rejected by the city council in a closed meeting. He says he’s baffled, because he wants to expand his business and wasn’t asking for any tax breaks but has been…