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�eh�J -aD -q q <br />■ <br />I am Wyn John, 8883 Jane Road North, former Mayor of Lake Elmo. I <br />have watched howthe Lake Elmo Council and Planning Commission <br />have been subject to a strong lobbying effort from various religious <br />bodies who feel that they are being unfairly singled out by the City in <br />the proposed revision of the PF Ordinance. <br />Revision of the ordinance was an obvious need when citizens <br />responded negatively to the construction of a maintenance facility in <br />their neighborhood about three years ago. They did not like the <br />potential increased noise from heavy vehicles although the facility <br />would only employ four people, traffic hazards, potential ground <br />water pollution, allergic reactions to fungal growths, and the impact <br />of the facility on their residential neighborhood. In the absence of <br />specific regulations, some of these comments had merit, but the <br />NIMBY philosophy was also a major factor. <br />The City Council has the power to regulate all activities within its <br />jurisdiction. It establishes zoning which defines areas where <br />particular endeavors are deemed acceptable to the City and these <br />are well publicized in the City's Comprehensive Plan, and associated <br />land use maps. These follow well accepted definitions, and changes <br />in zoning are only done after extensive discussion and debate. In the <br />preparation of new or revised Ordinances, the Planning Commission <br />and Council have to try to anticipate all potential impacts such <br />changes may have on the community as a whole. They also have to <br />recognize that an ordinance cannot favor one group over another. A <br />change in an Ordinance may appear desirable in one aspect but cause <br />