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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, November 12, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 19 of 36 (8. #13-3638 and 13-3639 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL, LLC (PAT HILLER) O/B/O GRANT WENKSTERN (LAKEVIEW GOLF), 405 NORTH ARM DRIVE, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) Mazer stated he would like to summarize one point from an article that was in the Star Tribune in April of 2010 entitled Gateway to Disaster. Ted Waite, founder of Gateway Computers, is part of Lakeland Construction Finance, who is responsible for more than 20 residential developments on the outskirts of the Twin Cities and St. Cloud that have gone into bankruptcy. The homes now stand unfinished and abandoned. Families that built in places like Summit Hills, Dassell, and other areas now live in suburban ghost towns surrounded by overgrown weeds and partially paved streets. The cities and the residents where these and other failed developments exist are left with unsightly scars on the land and millions of dollars in expenses to finish roads and utilities. Mazer stated the reason he wanted to point out was not to question the abilities of this developer but to note that even under the best of circumstances, projects like the ones that have been discussed may fail. There are economic factors the developer has no control over and these factors can adversely affect the success of any development. Mazer stated these same economic forces have made it difficult to operate golf courses in the last five years. Mazer stated if people look to the past, they will a situation where many developers had big visions of planned communities that have failed. As people look into the future, Mazer questioned what reassurances the residents have that this development will not also fail. Mazer stated the economy is being supported by quantitative easing, and when the Federal Government decides to taper, mortgage rates will rise and residential developments will fail again. Mazer stated when he and other residents in Orono purchased their properties, they were given assurances by the City through their zoning, their guidance, and the Comprehensive Plan that the property they have invested in would remain intact. Mazer stated he believes the City of Orono has continually reaffirmed the principles set forth in the Comprehensive Plan and these principles directly relate to the planned development of Lakeview Golf Course. Orono is unique and has a number of talented residents and resources to preserve what is important. Mazer encouraged the City Council to listen to the voice of the people and take the time to consider the impact, the options, and the alternatives to this request. Steve Bell, 4455 West Branch Road, stated he has resided in Orono for approximately 23 years. Bell noted he sent a letter to the Council members earlier today and that he would like that letter to be made part of the record. Bell stated he is deeply concerned if this development proposal goes through that the fantastic experience in Orono with its open space and rural character will end. Bell commented people have the right to dispose of their property as they please, but that even in a democracy few rights are unlimited and they should be balanced against the rights of everyone in the community. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 11/25/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 11/12/2013 [Page 19 of 36]