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Planning & Zoning Board <br />June 12, 2024 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Abdul Aleem, 4780 128th Circle NE, Blaine, MN 55449. Mr. Aleem appreciated the <br />proximity of the mosque to his home in Blaine and is in favor of the Madinah Lakes <br />development. He believes this development and mosque is an investment of future <br />inclusion of diversity and progress. Mr. Aleem said the mosque is more than a place to <br />worship, it is a community center that will offer educational programs, social services <br />and a space for dialogue and understanding. Mr. Aleem feels by approving the project <br />the City affirms its commitment to religious freedom and mutual respect welcoming <br />people of all backgrounds. He believes the development will provide modern <br />sustainable living space and it will attract and retain a diverse workforce. He also <br />believes it will stimulate the local economy. He trusts the traffic concern will be <br />addressed in the planning stages and does not think there is a need for the AUAR <br />process. Mr. Aleem encourages the Board to approve the project. <br /> <br />Randy Rennaker, 379 Carl Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014. Mr. Rennaker is in support of <br />the “slow the grow” movement. He still has the concerns he raised previously. <br /> <br />Jaylani Hussein, 2581 East Franklin, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Mr. Hussein addressed <br />the injustice regarding the allowance of Muslims to build a mosque and homes next to <br />it. He said what is happening here is “not in my backyard” and treating people as <br />though they do not belong. Two projects came forward and there should be dialog <br />about them but it should be based on facts and merits and allow due process. When <br />new organizations have to go through a different process it is discrimination. He said <br />now we have a moratorium for Madinah Lakes but there was no moratorium for the <br />other two which were larger even when the City was not mature. He also said we now <br />have the requirement for an additional environmental review which he said the City <br />received the information from the last study according to the staff member at the last <br />Environmental meeting. He said it concluded that everything was good but now the City <br />is asking for an additional review. He feels that the development from a planning <br />perspective is very beautiful and is a combination of urban and rural. <br /> <br />Suleiman Adan, 2811 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55406. He stated he has <br />built relationships with residents of our City. He stated Councilman Ruhland <br />commented that the moratorium was not meant to stifle developments but to ensure <br />clarity, transparency and thoughtful planning. The message heard in the community is <br />you are not wanted. People across the metro feel strongly for Muslim’s and their allies, <br />that they are willing to travel here countless times for this process. He said when <br />Muslim’s have come together in any City for any proposal it is received “it is not <br />wanted”. Mr. Adan said what is agreed upon and done in the City of Lino Lakes sends a <br />message to who is allowed here versus who is welcome here. He said to let the process <br />and policies be done fairly and without bias when further considering this development.