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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/2024 P&Z MinutesDRAFT MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Root called the Lino Lakes Planning & Zoning Board meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on June 17, 2024. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Root declared public comment open at 6:36 p.m. Darren Z, 6711 Pine Street, Lino Lakes, MN, declined to comment. Tammy Dunrud, 314 Carl Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014. Ms. Dunrud says she sees people enjoying Carl Street daily. In reviewing the plans, it appears those living in the new development will have walkways and parks to enjoy. Also with the Carl Street connection she does not see sidewalks for the people on Carl Street who want to continue to walk. She feels the Carl Street residents will be stripped of a quality of life that they have come to enjoy due to their having no safe place to walk. She does not want Carl Street connected to the development and is in favor of the moratorium. Naeem Qureshi, 4506 Orchard Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55422, Mr. Qureshi spoke of his history in this country and his knowledge and training in the water industry. He said a recent study that he completed showed per capita the demands are decreasing. He said he has looked at the City’s capacity in a planning document provided DATE: June 17, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:30 P.M. TIME ENDED: 10:17 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Nathan Vojtech, Neil Evenson, Michael Root Suzy Guthmueller, Perry Laden MEMBERS ABSENT: Isaac Wipperfurth STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Katie Larsen, Julie Whitney Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES by the City and it shows constant growth. He said the only thing that is important and constant is change. He said everyone in the City wants things to remain the same now and there should be no change. He said that will not happen. The capacity of the City water system is large enough to support the proposed development. He said the idea of having a moratorium to prevent change is not going to work. He does not want the moratorium and wants the City to work with the consultant and City staff to ensure the issues of traffic or any other issues are addressed. He said there has been an Islamic center in Fridley since 1988 and encourages Lino Lakes to speak to their Council and staff to see how the issues were resolved. Scott Zbikowski, 7765 Clydesdale Circle, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Zbikowski encourages residents and council members to view where the development will be built. He said the developer did not ask for concessions for 55 ft lots and thinks that size is unacceptable for the area. He said the development to the north and south does not fit into our urban area. He does not want to see a change for Carl Street to the south. He says no to the moratorium and wants the City to follow the existing 2040 comprehensive development plan. Mr. Vojtech moved to close public comment. Motion seconded by Mr. Evenson. Public comment was closed at 6:44 p.m. Motion carried 6 - 0. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Public Hearing: Consider Interim Ordinance to Creating a Moratorium on the Subdivision of Lands for Residential Uses Mr. Grochala presented the staff report. The northwest quadrant of the City, located along Main Street and generally referred to as “the Sod Farms”, has received significant development interest over the past two years. Two development interests have recently presented or submitted concepts for discussion with the City Council. In February of 2024 Pulte Group presented interest in developing a master planned active adult (55+) residential community on approximately 240 acres north of Main Street. The City Council completed a tour of a similar Del Webb branded project in late Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES March of 2024 to gain a better understanding of site amenities and site layout, using smaller lot sizes and reduced setbacks. The City also became aware of the proposed Madinah Lake project in late March of 2024. A Planned Unit Development Concept Plan has been submitted and is currently under review. The proposed project includes a mix of housing types, totaling 434 units, commercial development and a religious building on approximately 156 acres. Together, the Pulte/Del Webb and Madinah Lakes projects include development of approximately 400 acres and 900 residential housing units along the Main Street corridor. Both projects are requesting design flexibility through the PUD process. In reaction to the development interest, the City Council has discussed the possible need for a moratorium to further study the corridor in preparation for development. Mr. Laden questioned if the work was completed before the one year can the moratorium terminate. Mr. Grochala said it could. Mr. Squires said you would not need to go through the process again and it could be terminated. Mr. Laden wanted to know how the AUAR on the northeast quadrant benefited the City. Mr. Grochala said it allowed the City to look at the different impacts and the different land development scenarios created in terms of transportation and surface water runoff and allowed the City to evaluate and address our needs for that entire corridor. The benefit now is the industrial commercial development that would always require an environmental review. It is already accommodated and they already have a plan that guides development. Mr. Vojtech questioned the history of the Lino Lakes moratoriums. Mr. Grochala said he was aware of three and explained when they were and what they were for. Mr. Evenson questioned if the moratorium stops the process for the developer. Mr. Grochala said it prevents the City from reviewing any new land use of subdivisions. Mr. Kohler asked if there is a 5-year expiration for the AUAR. Mr. Grochala said it is updated every 5 years regardless of development. Mr. Root questioned without the well being replaced and what is coming out of the well now, if any development could be done. Mr. Grochala said it will take a year and half to work on the well problem. Decisions will need to be made to replace well 2 by next year. Mr. Root questioned where we are at in the process of what we are required to do. Mr. Squires, Lino Lakes City Attorney, said the procedure complies with and is consistent with what the law requires. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 4 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Root opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. Matt Duffy, 7760 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55435. Mr. Duffy is one of the attorneys working with Zikar holdings. He stated they remain adamant against the moratorium for many reasons that they have already stated. Mr. Duffy said they are under contract with the property. He said even though they had not submitted an application yet to the City they were willing to work with the City on the environmental assessment worksheet that is required for the project. Timing is more of their concern, consistency and some predictability as the board here and as the City Council considers the plan before them. He said Mr. Grochala pointed out there was a negative declaration on the Robinson sod farm a few years ago, the findings in that document we think are still relevant to the development that Madinah Lakes is proposing and currently before the city. He feels there is nothing in there that warrants a much deeper dive. He said in fact the city felt the same way by declaring a negative declaration where they found that there was no need for an environmental review. He said Anoka County has already addressed traffic by adding another roundabout at Century Avenue and Main Street. He stated the EAW process is what should be followed, considering that is what was done to the Robinson sod farm EAW a few years ago. He does not see a need to expand. The idea of an AUAR is not worrisome to Zikar Holdings. If that is the plan that the City decides to go forward with, they would like to be an active participant to collaborate. It is important to them that the City has what they need to make things cohesive. Zikar Holdings believes the EAW is the direction to go. But the AUAR could be done with more discussion with city staff to figure out what the parameters look like and what participation would look like. He said one of their concerns is the timing of the moratorium. He said due to the moratorium being in place for one year it takes two construction seasons for them. He said assuming they can get things done, the 2026 construction season may or may not be on the table. It comes down to how fast things can get approved by the city. The concern is that if they continue to do this and things do not move in a more systematic and more predictable fashion, the construction will not begin until the 2027 season. He said that is a big concern due to the increase in construction costs. He said the more time they wait, the less affordable the proposed houses become. Dean Dovolis, 331 Washington Avenue N, Minneapolis MN 55401, with DJ Architecture questioned the necessity for a moratorium. Mr. Dovolis feels the City has enough information already from previous studies. He said the AUAR is a sufficient process to accomplish all the goals that the City has outlined. He said Madinah Lakes meets a great deal of the City requirements already. He said Madinah is the best and only application right now but did acknowledge other discussions with potential builders. Mr. Dovolis said the City’s rush to stop major development seems unnecessary, especially with a 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 Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 6 APPROVED MINUTES their families, the community and the economy. In 2006 it was appropriate for a master plan. He said they had 680 acres, and he has 650. He said the density was going to be 3.3 homes per acre average. That growth was reduced by the housing crash of 2008. He said since then opportunities have been presented to them that they have declined. He said they believe now is the appropriate time. He said he doubts the Boards intention is to disrespect the time and energy put forth by past members but said if the City disregards their plans then what are they doing? He believes the time is appropriate now due to the population of the aging community and lack of suitable housing for them. The development Pulte is proposing does not place a burden on our schools or our traffic levels. The older generation make up the largest population of volunteers in our schools, churches and community. It is our responsibility to help provide an environment where our 55 plus population can relax in a one level style home within an association and amenities at their disposal. He said for himself and fellow citizens who are concerned with open space, he said there will always be approximately 40% open land. He said Lino Lakes has approximately 68 miles of walking, running, and riding trails, 15 miles of canoe routes and 21 city parks that will not change. He feels slowing the development with the moratorium continues to delay the need for housing to our aging community. Imam Asad Zaman, 1608 Como Avenue, St Paul, MN 55105, Executive Director of Muslim American Society, Mr. Zaman stated Zikar Holdings is under contract with his organization to build a $10 million mosque. This moratorium will place a one-year delay and is expected to raise the cost between 5% and 9%. The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act requires cities to conduct their business in a manner that produces the least negative impact upon religious users. He questioned the Board and wanted to know if at the end of the public hearing if they have considered the obligations under the Religious Land Use Act and taken affirmative steps to make sure that the religious land use proposed is not negatively impacted by this moratorium. Mr. Zaman said, in conclusion, he wanted the Board to vote no to the moratorium. He stated it was unnecessary, wasteful and harmful. The city already has all the tools needed to impose regulations that are needed to protect the water, traffic, safety, and every other concern including blanding turtles. Ashley Johnson, 7839 Lois Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Johnson said she is in support of the moratorium for the northwest quadrant of Lino Lakes. She asked the Board to vote in favor of the moratorium. She said she spoke three years ago to the City Council regarding concerns of speeding on her residential street. She said Mayor Rafferty came to their home to get an understanding of what was going on in the neighborhood. Mr. Rafferty and the police department was very supportive and took it as a very serious issue. Ms. Johnson believes the moratorium will give the emergency Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 7 APPROVED MINUTES services time to determine how they will accommodate the influx of more than 1000 people regarding vehicle traffic. She believes the safety and security of our residents need to be at the forefront of this decision. Mr. Darren Zabinski, 6711 Pine Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Dubinsky stated a moratorium was a legal action implemented by hundreds of cities with precedent in the state of Minnesota and in Lino Lakes. He said many will speak today telling us they need fairness like other developments. At least two other developments in our City have been subject to a moratorium. Many will say judge it on its merits, and then call everyone who asks a question racist and threaten with lawsuits. Although the developer attempted to talk about the merits at the Planning & Zoning board last week, what was conveyed was yards with weedy lawns, mosquito infested drainage ponds, maintenance paid by US taxpayers, tiny lot sizes, highly dense apartments, long cul-de-sacs and a vastly different design from the original plan. He stated the residents have lots of questions. He said many will also get speak and talk to you about their experience as urban planners, many from Minneapolis, population 42,596, Brooklyn Park population 83,324, or even Blaine population 71,739. He said we do not want to be Blaine or Minneapolis or Urban. He stated residents who oppose developments of this size have valid concerns. criminal history, lack of experience, not one single completed development, the White Bear Lake water issues, DNR, environmental concerns, building a new water plant, property taxes and maintenance paid for by taxpayers. He said we need a masterplan for the northwest quadrant which takes time. He said even though residents are now being labeled as a cult they will continue to stand strong and defend their town. He said they reject all ignorant and bigoted statements from anyone. Mr. Zabinski questioned if the development is good for both the City and the developer, why are they forcing this development so quickly and oppose the moratorium so strongly? If the development has merits, it should be able to easily survive a yearlong moratorium and the developer would gladly take this opportunity to work with the residents and council to make this development for everyone. He did not think the developer would do that because he does not believe the development is for everyone and the developer does not care what anyone thinks even stating on television even saying on TV “it does not matter what happens he will stand here every inch of the way and do the development no matter what, even if it takes a lawsuit”. Mr. Zabinski believes the residents of Lino Lakes have the right to ask questions and speak their mind freely and oppose major developments without the threat of being called names, bullied or a lawsuit. The Council has this right too. He wanted to remind the Council and residents that the moratorium has precedent, and the threat of lawsuit and name calling has no place in public discourse. He challenged anyone to come up to speak to not use the word discrimination. He stated it was the developers’ only argument and that they are pushing people away but maybe that is what is wanted, division. Maybe this Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 8 APPROVED MINUTES development really is not for everyone. Mr. Zabinski requested the City not be bullied or threatened away from the moratorium. Bonnie Herman. I live at 7859 Lois Lane, Lino Lakes 55014. Ms. Herman believes if we do not have the moratorium, they will lose street maintenance and the preservation of wildlife. She is concerned if Carl Street ends up being an egress from the new development that people will be coming through the neighborhood. Ms. Herman stands in opposition to the development and would like to see the moratorium. She asked for the City to protect the land, water, environment, schools and all of the other things that are being discussed. The reality is the moratorium should be used to change the lot size, if nothing else, to homes per acre. She always knew that the sod fields would be developed but believed it would be in a conscientious manner. Justin Reynolds, 7328 Stagecoach Trail, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Reynolds is in support of the moratorium. He said moratoriums are nothing new to Lino Lakes and seem to have one every few decades. He said there was one in 1989, 2002 and now in 2024. The City has a master plan and has also completed AUAR studies before and nothing that is being proposed right now is unique. The proposed development on Robinson sod farm is the third proposal to come forward in the last 20 years on that piece of land. The previous developers backed out because they found out the land was not feasible to develop for one reason or another. The most recent development even had an EAW performed. He heard the EAW came back with a negative rating and that there are a great deal of mitigations and concerns that needed to be addressed from it. It is not just well it passed the EAW so we are good to go. Numerous items need to be addressed such as potential endangered species, wastewater and stormwater concerns as well as traffic. The Metropolitan Council said it was a poor candidate for this type of development. Mr. Reynolds said the 2440 comp plan calls for mostly residential development in this area along with some commercial, but it just seems like this will be a difficult and costly task that needs to be done correctly. He asked us to remember two national experienced developers that did not find it feasible to develop on this land. He thinks the moratorium would give the City time to reassess and plan the best future use of this land. He said the north side of Main Street has not had an EAW completed by previous proposals. In general, the City needs to slow the growth of the city. As he said in previous meetings, Lino Lakes used to have an ordinance capping the number of housing units 147 per year on average and thinks the City needs to go back to that. He thinks we have plenty of housing available in Lino Lakes. Some people may say that 147 housing units is not very much, but when we look at the period between 2010 and 2020, there is an average of just 78 housing units per year according to the Met Council figures. Mr. Reynolds thinks that asking you to double that amount is not unreasonable. He said with that number of housing units added, we have seen schools continue to Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 9 APPROVED MINUTES become overcrowded, traffic congestion increased to unsustainable levels and water supply concerns. He thinks it is time for a pause to ensure that that City has the right plan in place to move forward. This is why he is in support of the moratorium. Randy Renneker, 379 Carl Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Renneker has lived in Lino Lakes for years and enjoys the quietness of it. Mr. Renneker supports a residential moratorium and said we have one chance to get it right. The city has a fiduciary responsibility to its residents to take a measured look at this area prior to development. He supports the rights of the landowners. He said he is a landowner himself and he supports the rights of the Robinsons to do whatever they would like with their property. He said as a resident and landowner he also has every right to be concerned with any development and to speak his mind. He asks the City to take into consideration the existing residents that live here that help build the community. He said the City is welcoming of all people, all developments, any part of the city, but the City should take a look at what they are doing and give it measured thought. Melissa Schultz, 6821 Black Duck Circle, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Schultz stated she is here as a Lino Lakes resident and no representation of her employer. However, she said her professional experience is why she is requesting that council vote yes to a moratorium. Ms. Schultz’s degree is in architecture with coursework in urban planning and sustainability. She stated master plans enable clear and concise decision making for everyone involved. They have a lot of financial benefits from a planning and financial perspective. She thinks in the current situation the community will greatly benefit from the participatory nature of a master plan since they typically include community input and outreach. If the City moves forward with a master plan, she would like to see it has an emphasis on context sensitive solutions. As part of the process, she urges the City to look at density and a lot sizing that is in context with existing neighborhood sizing and 5500 acres of natural park lands that these developments surround. A moratorium would also give the Council time to look at the potential future impacts of recent transportation legislation. She referred to omnibus bill HF5247 which now requires the state to look at reducing greenhouse gases by not increasing capacity or vehicle miles traveled on their roadways with potentially costly mitigation for the state. She thinks it is worth the City looking into it especially since County Road 14 in particular is an East and West arterial roadway that is geographically positioned as the next Highway 610. In conclusion, Ms. Schultz has seen a lot of communities wish they had a master plan and is yet to see one regret that they do. She has also found that pausing projects for more in-depth planning and getting the opinion others with more voices always creates a better community outcome. And with that, she encourages the City to continue with a moratorium and a master planning process. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 10 APPROVED MINUTES Sherry Douglas 106 Pony Court, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Douglas began by stating she is against any fast-paced large developments in the City. Ms. Douglas said there are many concerns regarding rapid growth, traffic, schools, water wells, environmental effects, and public safety regarding our police and fire. She said she had no concern who the builder was and that she was still against it. She said they moved to Lino Lakes because of the small town feel, space, lakes, trees, walking trails, larger lots and it was quiet with nature. She said enjoys walking and biking on Carl Street and other streets. She said she supports development that is carefully planned and not fast paced. James Munster, 109 Palomino, Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Munster wanted to address the surface water. He said we have a high-water table here and with all the rain it has been rising. Mr. Munster said he lives on a pond and his backyard is disappearing. He is concerned with higher density construction and that it will cause flooding in people's homes. Right now, he said he is not considered floodplain and is not required to have flood insurance. He said he does not know what that density of construction would do to the surrounding areas. Mr. Munster hired a private plane to fly over the area to look at density before purchasing a lot to build here. He believes a moratorium would provide information for surrounding neighbors addressing water runoff and ponding. He feels that is needed. Sarah Shahid, 12724 Letty Street Ne Blaine 55449, Ms. Shahid asked the Board before making any decisions to ask themselves the real basis of the moratorium and what exactly will be studied. She feels the EAW will address water, roads, traffic studies and environmental effects which the developer is required to complete. She said the previous EAW was done less than two years ago on the same exact parcel of land with a higher density had a negative declaration. She inquired what more will be studied during the AUAR. Ms. Shahid questioned the timing of the study and the implementation of a moratorium. She said no comp plan amendments were being requested by the only developer with an application submitted to the city in this Northwest quadrant. She encouraged the Board to ask these questions and pass a judgement based on the facts rather than misinformation or biases. Bridget Robinson, 5301 226th Avenue NE, Bethel MN 55005, Ms. Robinson said she understands people have longevity in the community and appreciates people wanting to keep the green space free and not have the development there, but it is inevitable. She said they just got done going through this not even two years ago and there were no issues. She said the development did not go through and it certainly was not because the land was not developable. Ms. Robinson wanted to encourage everybody to try to work with the developer, the one developer that the City has today with one application. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 11 APPROVED MINUTES Tracy Shroyer, 580 Marshan Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Shroyer said slow growth is nothing new to the city of Lino Lakes. She has spoken at a few meetings and has heard supporters say stick to the facts even though they do not. She said Mr. Grochala outlined many facts earlier but wanted to address some of those. She stated in prior discussions of the sod farm drainage, we learned that the deep drainage ditches surrounding the property would be filled in and diverted. She said the ditch has reached capacity and wanted to know what was going to happen when houses are added, parking lots and road runoff to that same drainage ditch when we get rain like we have. She believes the supporters of this development have complained that the opposition is simply a case of not my backyard. She thinks in this instance they are correct. Ms. Shroyer voiced her concerns regarding drainage and pollutants going into the lakes. She discussed the 2040 plan regarding density, and she does not think it is suitable for this northwest corner. It also states a master plan for the Main Street corridor between sunset and Fourth Avenue should be completed and there has been no time for that to happen. In addition, for people talking about fairness and other developments who have not had to meet criteria, the 2040 comp plan was completed before any specific developers were identified. Comprehensive plans have a purpose and we cannot just come along later and pick and choose what we agree on. She did not feel we should be rushed to develop the land as there is only one chance to get it right. She is in full support of the moratorium. Angela Coil, 7672 Sunset Avenue, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Coil questioned the integrity and experience of the builder. She was in favor of the moratorium. Luba Vanyo, 215 Woodridge Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mrs. Vanyo wanted to encourage the Board to do the right thing. Nasiruddin Muhammad, 10514 Hawthorn Trail, Woodbury, MN 55129. Mr. Muhammad questioned the need for a moratorium. He said everything that needs to be known can be done through the regular planning process. He said the moratorium is not going to stop the growth and believes the real motive is wishing the developer would walk away. He is against the moratorium. Randall Corfman, 275 Palomino Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Corfman expressed his appreciation for the current lifestyle in Lino Lakes and was concerned the proposed development would change that. He feels the lack of experience by the developer is problematic. He also addressed the name calling and found it to be offensive. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 12 APPROVED MINUTES Scott Zbikowski, 7765 Clydesdale Circle, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Zbikowski was in favor of supporting local builders and in favor of the moratorium. He said we only have one chance to get it right. He was also concerned about the number of permits that will be pulled by the developer. Abdullah Aleem, 4780 128th Circle NE, Blaine, Minnesota 55449, Mr. Aleem conveyed disdain for what he viewed as a discrimination issue and believes everyone should have the right to liberty, justice and equality. Mr. Aleem said he opposes the discriminatory moratorium under consideration and advocates for the EAW process. Aaron Frederickson, 7177 Whippoorwill Lane, Lino Lakes, MN, Mr. Frederickson wanted to know what the development would look like. He stated when performing a Google search he found the same pictures and expressed his concern regarding plagiarism. Mr. Frederickson in closing supports the moratorium. John Grattan, 202 Elm Stret, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Gratton created an online petition with over 2400 signatures to slow the grow in Lino Lakes. He said they express their collective opposition as residents of Lino Lakes to large scale densely populated developments within the city. They are concerned about the strain on schools and resources. He is in support of the moratorium. Joyce Hennes, 200 White Pine Road, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Hennes would like the moratorium passed to give the City time to consider what it means for the whole City and not just the northwest quadrant. Stephanie Falkers, 154 Pine Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Falkers said she is also speaking for her neighbor at 166 Pine Street. She spoke in support of the moratorium and the AUAR and discussed the benefits of the AUAR. Jaylani Hussein, 2581 East Franklin, Minneapolis, MN 55406, Mr. Hussein is the Director of Care in Minnesota and advocates for the American Muslim community. Mr. Hussein feels the Board failed when these two projects were presented for the property and a moratorium was not requested then or they are creating an undue burden on this project now. He questioned the need for a moratorium and requested fairness and equal treatment. Dan Willett, 7892 Century Trail, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Willett thought transportation will be a nightmare and does not think roundabouts will keep the traffic flowing. He is also concerned about the impact to the schools with the extra students and questioned the mitigation process for the property. He is in favor of the moratorium. Mr. Willett expressed his disdain for the racial comments. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 13 APPROVED MINUTES Maseeh Mohammed, 12081 7th Street NE, Blaine, MN 55434, Mr. Mohammed addressed the issues that continue to be addressed. He said the planner and engineers seemed satisfied with what the developer was presenting and said he went above and beyond the guidelines. Mr. Mohammed requested we continue approving this process and was not in favor of the moratorium. Mr. Mohammed stated people do not like to see a lot of brown or black faces around. Laura Gannon, 114 East Golden Lake Lane, Circle Pines, MN 55014. Ms. Gannon believed the timing of the moratorium was suspicious and believed the City was singling out the Robinson family. She also addressed racism and wanted to see the City vote against the moratorium and allow the process to move forward. Andrew Gess, 1375 Hunters Ridge, Lino Lakes, MN 55038, Mr. Gess said it was evident most of the people supporting this project are from outside of the City and the people that live in Lino Lakes are in support of the moratorium. He feels that what is being proposed is a City within a City for a certain demographic. He feels the City should take their time for the approval process. Ronnie Hamza 1536 Hewitt Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104. Mr. Hamza was in support of the development and was concerned about the reason for the delay. He believes there is an undercurrent of intolerance and racism. He feels the new development will not only serve the Muslim population, but it will also enrich the entire city by promoting diversity, understanding and unity. Lars Kommienezuspadt, 2020, Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, Mr. Kommienezuspadt believes in religious freedom and that it applies to more than people that were born Muslim. It is not a certain group of people that would be coming to the mosque or in this community. It's diverse, and that is what he thinks we should stand for. Jonathan Felske, 691 Oak Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Felske expressed his opposition to the moratorium and does not understand the timing and questioned if future proposals will be subject to the same kind of pause. He thinks consistency is important to prevent the appearance of impropriety. Sara Shady, 7668, Palomino, Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Ms. Shady believes the City does not need a moratorium. She feels the City has established processes to address the impact of any proposed development would have on our water, roads, public safety, emergency services and classroom sizes. She believes Madinah Lakes would bring diverse housing options, shops and restaurants to our community and increase our property tax revenue. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 14 APPROVED MINUTES Chris Grimes, 7906 Henry Lane, Lino Lakes, MN 55014. Mr. Grimes said the reason why a moratorium is needed is because change happens every year. (Inaudible) Hussein, 11357 Lincoln Court NE, Blaine, MN 55434, Ms. Hussein strongly opposes the proposed moratorium as it would hinder progress and growth. She questions why it was not proposed for the two other applicants for the same location for similar use. Louis Jungbauer, 679 Andall Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, Mr. Jungbauer was concerned about what goes into making the decision for the moratorium and was not in favor of the moratorium. Mr. Laden moved to close the public hearing. Motion seconded by Mr. Vojtech. The public hearing was closed at 9:44 p.m. Mr. Root addressed the questions that were asked by the speakers. He said the only thing that has been submitted thus far is a concept plan. Input is submitted by the Boards and if the developer decides to proceed there are many agencies that work on the approval process. He requested Mr. Grochala answer some of the questions regarding traffic and water runoff and other impacts that may occur. Mr. Grochala said tonight is about implanting a moratorium to further study a specific area. He said we are not at a point with either development proposals where there are any specific plans. He explained the application process and what is expected during that process. Mr. Root said there were many questions about why this location and why now. Mr. Grochala said the comprehensive plan suggests we do this. We have never approved a project in this location, and we are guided by the Master Plan to complete the study here. Mr. Root wanted to know who was responsible for wetland delineation. Mr. Grochala said any mitigation is the cost of the developer. Mr. Root said there were questions about what the project would look like and said the plan is available online. It was asked why an EAW was not sufficient for this project and what do you get from an AUAR that you would not get from an EAW. Mr. Grochala said the AUAR is a more in-depth study and EAW is project specific. There was a question about road expansion to which Mr. Grochala said it was part of the county review. They look at projected traffic in a specific area. Mr. Grochala also said the mosque is a religious use which is allowed as conditional use permit. It is permitted everywhere except an industrial district. Ms. Guthmueller asked if the items that were found in the EAW for Promenade would be addressed now. Mr. Grochala said they would be addressed. Planning & Zoning Board June 17, 2024 Page 15 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Laden said the way the moratorium is written, it appeared the businesses and the mosque could move forward and that it only affected residential housing. Mr. Grochala confirmed that was correct. Mr. Vojtech moved to approve the moratorium with the inclusion of the AUAR and Master Plan. Motion seconded by Mr. Kohler. Motion carried 6 – 0. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Project Updates Mr. Grochala provided project updates. MS. Guthmueller moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Evenson. Meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julie Whitney – Community Development Administrative Assistant