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more adverse reaction when considered in another light. For this <br />reason the Council has to take an even handed approach with all <br />regulations. <br />Unfortunately, as you see tonight, the local churches have reacted <br />very unfavorably to details in the ordinance which they feel to be <br />unduly restrictive. To have no limit on lot size for a public facility is <br />asking for truble in the future. The 15 acre site size was adopted as <br />what was felt to be reasonable for a maintenance facility, local parks <br />and also for churches. Restricting the site size was intended to avoid <br />the development of a location which would dominate and affect the <br />character and infrastructure of an entire neighborhood. The set <br />backs adopted are similar to all other City Zones, with no thought <br />given to their relaxation in favor of one particular classification. <br />The churches feel that they are being unduly restricted in their ability <br />to expand their ministries in Lake Elmo, by this proposal. They talk of <br />interference in the affairs of the Church by the State as though they <br />have the divine right to develop as they choose, in whatever <br />direction they feel appropriate. Churches provide a place for <br />worship and communication at times of stress and joy. They fill a <br />need for local residents. On the other hand, some of their activities <br />are very close to being business related, and the reaction of the local <br />prelates in pursuit of their aims are strikingly similar to the reactions <br />of business developers who wish to settle in Lake Elmo in areas <br />where their activities are restricted. Day Care Centers are subject to <br />local regulations, and Lake Elmo has such centers which run as small <br />