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39 <br />A slight difference exists between the "assembly" language within the commercial and <br />light industrial zoning districts—commercial districts allow for conditional uses of "lodges" <br />while industrial districts allow for conditional uses of "meeting lodges." These two terms share <br />the same meaning. There is no evidence that the City intended any difference between the <br />commercial and light industrial zoning districts in regard to "assemblies" under a plain reading <br />of the 'boning Code. <br />Overall, "churches, temples, or synagogues" constitute separate types of uses from <br />"assemblies, lodges, or convention halls." This is especially apparent when assessing the <br />specific purposes for each zoning district. In general, places of worship align better with certain <br />residential districts, while places of secular assembly align better with commercial or industrial <br />districts. This makes sense in the context of economic development, as industrial districts, for <br />example, are generally areas in which a city should expect to create opportunities for jobs and <br />economic growth. Places of secular assembly, such as meeting lodges for certain business or <br />industrial organizations or union groups, naturally align to the commercial and industrial <br />districts. Residential districts, on the other hand, are places in which people can engage in <br />personal or social activities outside of work. Places of worship naturally align with residential <br />districts. <br />Because the City has little of its space devoted to or available for commercial or light <br />industrial use, it is important that the City properly determines what types of assembly, if any, <br />may exist within these zoning districts. The City has devoted most of its land to residential use, <br />which besides areas bordering Silver Lake, allows for places of religious assembly. The limited <br />areas that the City has devoted to commercial and light industrial use, and that are available for <br />such uses given the City's development patterns and transportation infrastructure access, suggest <br />that the City should consider closely whether to expand the types of uses within these districts. <br />The City is interested in promoting economic development and job growth and has devoted two <br />specific zoning districts to those planning goals. The current fragile state of the economy— <br />especially in the state of Minnesota—makes it even more crucial for the City Council to make <br />sound zoning decisions based on what is the best available option for the future of the City as a <br />whole given the City's fully developed nature. <br />Therefore, as a general rule, the City Code as it stands should not permit CUPs for places <br />of worship in commercial or industrial districts but allow them for R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 <br />residential districts. Conversely, the City Code should not permit CUPs for places of secular <br />assembly in all residential districts but allow as conditional uses for such uses within commercial <br />and industrial districts so long as those uses support the planning goals of the respective zoning <br />districts. <br />-9- <br />Si my OI' AsswBWGS, ME171 ING LODGES, AND CGNVRNHON HNJ S <br />CITY OF SAM AN"[ I TONY V ILLAGH <br />