Lino Lakes development project that includes mosque divides residents, council

A housing development that includes the construction of a mosque in Lino Lakes may be put on pause as residents and city officials remain torn on the proposal.

Lino Lakes City Council held a meeting Monday night regarding the Madinah Lakes development, as members discussed a possible moratorium to go into effect for any new building within the city .

It comes amid backlash to the mixed-used development, which would see residential and commercial properties built in and around a new mosque.

Council members have previously brought up concerns including the overuse of water on the site because "water availability is an issue" in Lino Lakes. But residents have also listed several concerns , including traffic implications for Main Street and Sunset Avenue, and the speed and density of the development, claiming it would increase the city's population by 10%.

Residents also note a "lack of diversity and inclusivity" in the plans, saying "the development is being marketed to one specific demographic." According to the U.S. Census Bureau , as of July 2023, 88.3% of Lino Lakes' population consists of white people.

In contrast, a developer of the project claims the stalling by the council and backlash by residents is partially rooted in Islamophobia.

Faraaz Yussuf, owner of Zikar Holdings, told the Star Tribune "things would have gone differently" if a mosque wasn't involved and his and the company's name was different.

The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) also made the same claim, stating : "This proposal appears to be influenced by groups with Islamophobic motives using concerns about zoning and planning to mask their true intentions."

Council member Michael Ruhland said during the Monday meeting the reason "isn't meant to stifle development, but to ensure clarity, transparency, and thoughtful planning."

"Proper planning is essential for shaping our city's landscape," he added.

Zikar Holdings introduced the concept plan on April 17. Aside from a mosque, the development would also include homes and commercial space for retail stores, restaurants, coffee shops, a daycare and more.

Below is a concept plan from Zikar Holdings, with a rendering of the mosque included below that.

The 156 acres at 310 Main St. was formerly the Robinson Sod farm. The mosque would take up about 10 acres alone.

Residents have since showed up to council meetings in support and protest of the plan, whether the topic was to be discussed or not.

Those against the proposal have created a petition called "Love Lino Lakes."

"This petition aims to express our collective opposition, as residents of Lino Lakes, to large-scale, densely populated developments within our city. We are deeply concerned about the potential adverse effects on traffic safety, strain on school resources leading to overcrowding, and the impact on our local infrastructure and public safety," the petition reads.

No decision was made during Monday's meeting regarding the moratorium.

City spokesperson Meg Sawyer tells Bring Me The News four meetings are planned as part of the proposal review process:

• Environmental Board meeting: May 29
• Park Board meeting: June 5
• Planning & Zoning Board meeting: June 12
• City Council work session: July 1