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time to develop a comprehensive Master Plan that aligns with our Comp Plan, incorporates public input, <br />and ensures that we are making decisions that will benefit our community for generations to come. <br />I understand that this proposal has raised concerns and sparked significant discussion within our <br />community. I want to address some of these concerns directly, particularly those voiced by members of <br />the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), as well as the developer Faraaz Yussuf with Zikar <br />Holdings. I will note that I have not heard anything from the other developer that we know is also <br />impacted by this proposed moratorium. <br />Let me state unequivocally that this moratorium is not, and has never been, about discrimination. The <br />suggestion that it is a mask for Islamophobia or discrimination in general, is completely unfounded and <br />contrary to the values of inclusivity and equality that we uphold in Lino Lakes. Our City is home to a <br />diverse population, and we are committed to ensuring that all residents feel welcome and valued. The <br />moratorium is solely about responsible urban planning and the prudent development of our City's <br />resources. <br />I would also like to set the record straight, for those that have been providing erroneous information at <br />various open mic opportunities. I really hope this is not the case, but it’s seemingly slinging accusations <br />of ill intent to speculatively obtain media attention with the potentially goal of pressuring this Council <br />into making decisions that sidestep taxpayer equity and input in such planning. Specifically, but also <br />speculatively again trying to accomplish this by attempting to paint a narrative that is not based on any of <br />the facts. <br />It’s been asked, “Did you tour the Pulte Del Webb development”. Yes, we did tour the Del Webb <br />Development. They came before the Council in a Work Session and invited the Council to tour one of <br />their existing developments. This was because they have an interest in bringing a product to Lino Lakes <br />that is similar to the development they are completing in Corcoran. They invited us so we could get a feel <br />for what that might look like in our City. If Zikar Holdings has another development they would like us to <br />tour, I would encourage them to let us know where it is and we can provide public notice, as we did with <br />Del Webb, and schedule that tour. <br />Part of the facts is the timeline. The same day we toured Del Webb, a video was going viral about another <br />development, across the street. This would be the Madinah Lakes project. At least I saw it for the first <br />time the same day we as the Council were touring Del Webb. I remember it distinctly as it was an <br />additional 156 acres across the street of where the very development, we were touring a sample of was <br />proposed. Two massive developments are going in at a gateway entrance and will completely surround it, <br />and change the entire look and feel of that important area. <br />It’s been asked, why now, and not when the other developments were coming forward. I cannot speak for <br />prior Council’s or other Council Members on our current Council, as I stated. I can only speak for myself <br />having reviewed the last proposed development on this parcel. The answer is because there was only one <br />development. It was also far from finalized. In this particular case BOTH of these developments are <br />poised to come in at right around the exact same time. That is what set off the alarm bells for me, and why <br />I started looking further into that area, and ultimately came to the conclusion that a moratorium is the <br />right call.