06/17/2024 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 5 APPROVED MINUTES phasing plan, this event will fall at or below the city's 10-year average number of units being created. Water use in households are dropping with low flow toilets and other elements that are saving it. He said this process could be handled by the existing elements within the city. He believes the City should use the AUAR but not the moratorium. He thinks it will accomplish the same outcome but allow the developers to interact with the City planning staff to create the best development possible. Faraaz Yussuf, 12724 Letty Street NE, Blaine, MN 55449, Mr. Yussuf said as the developer he stands in strong opposition to the moratorium. He said the action was unfair and unjust and appears highly targeted given that Madinah Lakes is currently the only application with the city. He said this area has been the topic of development discussion for nearly two decades. There have been multiple proposals with different levels of review. Mr. Yussuf said at no point during these past discussions was a moratorium ever proposed. He discussed the argument for the moratorium is the density, too much growth too fast that would affect water, traffic and schools. This development would only house 1200 to 1300 new residents over the course of three to four years. He said gradual growth is manageable and will contribute constructively and positively to the community. He said that those opposing this development due to the area being a sod farm said every neighborhood that exists today in Lino Lakes was once a farm. Housing developments are an essential part of community growth. He faulted the City for appearing to be inventorying the Robinson sod farm and other farms and treating it as their own property without proper consultation, and permission from the Robinson family. This approach disregards the rights and interests of the property owners and sets a very troubling precedent for future development and property rights in Lino Lakes. He said he could almost guarantee that nearly every resident supporting a moratorium would quickly change their mind if their own property was being taken without any consultation or consideration. He urged the board to consider the broader implications of the moratorium. He said it sent a message to developers that Lino Lakes is not open to growth and development which could have long term negative impacts. In conclusion, Zikar Holdings respectfully requests that you oppose the moratorium, and allow any development to proceed per the set review processes and state statutes that oversee such projects. This project represents a significant opportunity for growth, community development, and economic benefit to Lino Lakes. Scott Robinson, 8179 4th Avenue, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Robinson reviewed the growth in Lino Lakes over the past 50 years and named several farming families that have been in the area and where the land for development came from to give opportunities to people to come to our community to live. He said the northwest quadrant was cited for development in 1990 and has remained in the comprehensive plan since that time. Mr. Robinson said they waited until the timing was appropriate for