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� MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Tuesday,November 12,2013 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (8. #13-3638 and 13-3639 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL,LLC(PAT HILLER) O/B/O GRANT <br /> WENKSTERN(LAKEVIEW GOLF), 405 NORTHARMDRIVE, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN <br /> AMENDMENT AND SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) <br /> Mazer stated he would like to summarize one point from an article that was in the Star Tribune in April of <br /> 2010 entitled Gateway to Disaster. Ted Waite, founder of Gateway Computers, is part of Lakeland <br /> Construction Finance,who is responsible for more than 20 residential developments on the outskirts of <br /> the Twin Cities and St. Cloud that have gone into bankruptcy. The homes now stand unfinished and <br /> abandoned. Families that built in places like Summit Hills,Dassell,and other areas now live in suburban <br /> ghost towns surrounded by overgrown weeds and partially paved streets. The cities and the residents <br /> where these and other failed developments exist are left with unsightly scars on the land and millions of <br /> dollars in expenses to finish roads and utilities. <br /> Mazer stated the reason he wanted to point out was not to question the abilities of this developer but to <br /> note that even under the best of circumstances,projects like the ones that have been discussed may fail. <br /> There are economic factors the developer has no control over and these factors can adversely affect the <br /> success of any development. Mazer stated these same economic forces have made it difficult to operate <br /> golf courses in the last five years. <br /> Mazer stated if people look to the past,they will a situation where many developers had big visions of <br /> planned communities that have failed. As people look into the future,Mazer questioned what <br /> reassurances the residents have that this development will not also fail. Mazer stated the economy is <br /> being supported by quantitative easing, and when the Federal Government decides to taper,mortgage <br /> rates will rise and residential developments will fail again. <br /> Mazer stated when he and other residents in Orono purchased their properties,they were given assurances <br /> by the City through their zoning,their guidance,and the Comprehensive Plan that the property they have <br /> invested in would remain intact. Mazer stated he believes the City of Orono has continually reaffirmed <br /> the principles set forth in the Comprehensive Plan and these principles directly relate to the planned <br /> development of Lakeview Golf Course. Orono is unique and has a number of talented residents and <br /> resources to preserve what is important. Mazer encouraged the City Council to listen to the voice of the <br /> people and take the time to consider the impact,the options,and the altematives to this request. <br /> Steve Bell,4455 West Branch Road, stated he has resided in Orono for approximately 23 years. Bell <br /> noted he sent a letter to the Council members earlier today and that he would like that letter to be made <br /> part of the record. <br /> Bell stated he is deeply concerned if this development proposal goes through that the fantastic experience <br /> in Orono with its open space and rural character will end. Bell commented people have the right to <br /> dispose of their property as they please,but that even in a democracy few rights are unlimited and they <br /> should be balanced against the rights of everyone in the community. <br /> Page 19 of 36 <br />