Hundreds of project supporters expected to turn out for meeting
Later today, representatives from the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and diverse supporters of the Madinah Lakes Project will attend the Lino Lakes City Council meeting to speak against a proposed moratorium on site of the Madinah Lakes project with, hundreds expected to show up as early as 3:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. meeting.
The project has faced organized opposition from anti-Muslim groups in an effort to stop the development of the project which includes homes and a mosque.
WHEN: Monday, June 24, 6 PM (some attendees expected to arrive at 3:30 PM)
WHERE: Lino Lakes City Council, City Hall, 600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
CONTACT: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN, Tel: (612) 406-0070, Email: jhussein@cair.com, Suleiman Adan, Deputy Director, CAIR-MN, (612) 406-7183, sadan@cair.com ; Osman Ahmed, Director of Advocacy, CAIR-MN, Tel: (612) 459-0334, Email: o-ahmed@cair.com
Two larger proposals for the same development were previously allowed without a moratorium or community-wide protest. However, hate-based organizing is now driving this moratorium effort. “This case is clear: hate is the driving force behind this opposition,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-Minnesota.
SEE: Fiery comments during public hearing on Lino Lakes building moratorium
Earlier, the planning and zoning commission added an additional environmental review request without any proof of need other than to put pressure on the project.
CAIR-Minnesota sent a letter to the city council and to the department of Justice requesting the Madinah Lakes project get fair and equal treatment. The discussion of the moratorium fits a pattern of land use opposition many cities across the nation use to stop or slow down Muslim community projects including mosques, cemeteries and schools.
READ CAIR-MINNESOTA’S LETTER.
The Lino Lakes City Council is scheduled to discuss the imposition of a moratorium potentially aimed at stopping the development of Madinah Lakes, which includes plans for a mosque. This proposal appears to be influenced by groups with Islamophobic motives using concerns about zoning and planning to mask their true intentions.
BACKGROUNDER:
Madinah Lakes, a development proposed on 156 acres of what is currently Robinsons Landscaping at 310 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN, includes a mosque at the center and aims to foster a diverse community with a variety of home options. The plan features single-family homes, townhomes, row homes, apartments, and senior living condos, catering to a broad demographic to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all. This comprehensive development reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community.
SEE: Social media posts swirl about Madinah Lakes
Online forums and social media channels have been platforms on which opponents have openly expressed their anti-Muslim bias, citing the project’s alignment with Muslim-friendly values as their reason for opposition.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END