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Council Minutes -9- June 24, 2024 <br /> <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that it is important to remember that this is a temporary <br />measure and is not designed to hold development indefinitely, but to provide a structured and <br />thoughtful approach to how we proceed. By taking this pause we can avoid rushing into <br />development without a clear plan, which could lead to costly revisions and unintended <br />consequences in the future. <br />Councilmember Ruhland stated that in conclusion he would urge everyone to look at the <br />broader picture and understand the long-term benefits of this moratorium. It is about ensuring <br />that we develop this crucial gateway to our city in a manner that is thoughtful, inclusive and <br />beneficial for all. He asked that we take this opportunity to come together as a community to <br />engage in constructive dialogue. And to contribute to a Master Plan that reflects our shared <br />vision for the future of Lino Lakes. <br />Clark Robinson, 5 Main Street, Lino Lakes, stated that he owns the property in the Northwest <br />corner of Lino Lakes, identified for the moratorium. So, he is here to speak about the proposed <br />moratorium. The Northwest corner of the city has had a few developers interested in the past <br />and they have been waiting patiently for an opportunity like the Pulte retirement community to <br />come along and it is now at their doorstep. As the Community Development Director <br />mentioned, as a city, we've had growth spurts and small declines within our city over the past <br />20 years. The proposed retirement community Pulte is looking to construct on his property is <br />nowhere near the amount of growth the city experienced in the early 2000s. <br />Mr. Robinson stated that a development like this will take several years to be completed, <br />through the normal building process. It is not necessary to extend the length of time it will take <br />to build a community of this scope, as there are already enough built-in time constraints that <br />will give more than enough time to complete a Master Plan. Just look all along the east side of <br />the city has been built out with that process, you can see firsthand that development takes <br />time. It has been close to 10 years, and it's still not completely done. <br />Mr. Robinson stated, as the mayor noted earlier you'll have more than enough time to receive <br />input needed to create a well-thought-out retirement community that you can be proud of. <br />With our aging community and the lack of senior housing within Lino Lakes, this development <br />would be a great addition to our beautiful city. The fact is elderly people drive less, volunteer <br />more, and don't have small children to add to a burden to our public school system. The homes <br />they will live in will also generate considerable tax revenue. If this isn't a beneficial <br />development to our community, what would be then, by choosing to implement an unneeded <br />moratorium, you're increasing the likelihood of pushing Pulte away from our city, forcing them <br />to find a community more willing to work with them through the development process. As the <br />mayor mentioned, we already have ups and downs in our economy, we already have an <br />economy that has natural moratoriums built into it. Therefore, he doesn’t feel like we had to <br />have to add another one. <br />Mr. Robbinson said that here now you have an opportunity to be a part of a drastically needed <br />retirement community by voting no to the moratorium, we will be able to continue to work <br />with Pulte to design a senior community that only a few cities across the nation can say that <br />they have. As Councilmember Cavegn had mentioned, we need to be shovel-ready.