HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-09 Handout/Public Comment
Teresa Bender
From:Athanasia Lewis
Sent:Friday, October 10, 2025 7:40 AM
To:Teresa Bender
Subject:FW: Rezoning Concerns
Teresa,
Here is the public comment that was provided for last night’s meeting.
Athanasia
Athanasia Lewis
City Administrator
City of Centerville
651-792-7931
From: Athanasia Lewis <ALewis@centervillemn.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 1:21 PM
To: Andria Mattlin <a.mattlin@live.com>
Cc: Anita Rios <ARios@centervillemn.com>
Subject: RE: Rezoning Concerns
Andria,
Regarding the mailing, the requirement is 350ft from the site being rezoned. Many of our residents were notified.
The notice was sent to 46 Centerville residents and 27 Lino Lakes residents as well as Centennial School District
and the City of Lino Lakes. The map below shows where the notices were mailed.
Best,
Athanasia Lewis
City Administrator
City of Centerville
651-792-7931
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From: Andria Mattlin <a.mattlin@live.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 1:03 PM
To: Athanasia Lewis <ALewis@centervillemn.com>
Cc: Anita Rios <ARios@centervillemn.com>
Subject: Re: Rezoning Concerns
Hi Athanasia and Anita,
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Thank you for your communication.
I understand the radius rule, and that's another big concern. The majority of the residences within 350 feet of
the rezoning are Lino Lakes homes, meaning most Centerville residents aren't aware of the potential rezoning.
Lino Lakes residents should have their voices weighed just as heavily as those in Centerville due to the direct
impact this will have on their homes.
Thank you,
Andria Mattlin
From: Athanasia Lewis <ALewis@centervillemn.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 12:47 PM
To: Andria Mattlin <a.mattlin@live.com>
Cc: Anita Rios <ARios@centervillemn.com>
Subject: RE: Rezoning Concerns
Andria,
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. I’ll include your email with our official record of
comments.
I checked the mailing list to verify who received notices of the rezoning and several residents in the Watermark
Development were notified because they fall within 350ft radius of the proposed project area. Your address does
not, which explains why you did not receive a notice either time. Let me know if you have any questions. I’d be
happy to talk with you.
Best regards,
Athanasia
Athanasia Lewis
City Administrator
City of Centerville
651-792-7931
From: Anita Rios <ARios@centervillemn.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 10:21 AM
To: Andria Mattlin <a.mattlin@live.com>
Cc: Athanasia Lewis <ALewis@centervillemn.com>
Subject: Re: Rezoning Concerns
Dear Andria,
Thank you for your thoughtful email regarding rezoning concerns. It is helpful to get feedback from
Centerville's neighbors in Lino Lakes as we consider land use guidance and how that impacts all
residents in the area.
I am sharing your email with our city administrator Athanasia Lewis so that she is aware of your
communication.
Warm regards,
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Anita Rios
Council member, City of Centerville
From: Andria Mattlin <a.mattlin@live.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 1:13 PM
To: Anita Rios <arios@centervillemn.com>; Russ Koski <rkoski@centervillemn.com>; David Kubat
<dkubat@centervillemn.com>; swynncentervillemn@gmail.com <swynncentervillemn@gmail.com>; Linda Broussard
Vickers <lbroussardvickers@centervillemn.com>
Subject: Rezoning Concerns
Dear City Council Members,
My name is Andria Mattlin, and I am a resident of the Watermark development, directly adjacent to
the area proposed for rezoning by Equinox Development. I was among the first residents to move into
Watermark and was a vocal opponent of the initial rezoning proposal in 2021. Although I am not a
Centerville resident, I am directly impacted by this project due to the proximity of my home to the site
at Main Street and 21st Avenue North.
When my family purchased our home in April 2020, we were aware that this land was zoned for
commercial use. That designation made sense—it was intended to complement the growing
residential base and provide nearby amenities and services to residents of both Centerville and Lino
Lakes. Over the past few years, I’ve seen significant progress in the area, with new homes,
expanding neighborhoods, and local businesses beginning to thrive. This growth demonstrates that
Centerville’s original vision for balanced residential and commercial development is working in
neighboring cities.
However, like in 2021, many nearby residents—including myself—were not notified directly of the
proposed zoning change. Because the majority of homes within 350 feet of the site are in Lino Lakes,
Centerville residents were largely excluded from notice. While this may technically comply with
notification requirements, it fails the spirit of community engagement and transparency. Major land
use decisions that affect the broader region deserve broad communication and input.
I oppose the proposal to rezone this property from commercial to residential for several reasons:
1. Loss of Commercial Opportunity: Centerville has very limited commercial land
available. Converting one of the few remaining parcels to residential use undermines
the city’s long-term economic sustainability. Once commercial land is lost, it cannot be
easily regained.
2. Fiscal and Community Impact: Commercial development generates substantially
higher tax revenue per acre than residential rentals, helping fund city services without
increasing the residential tax burden. It also supports small businesses and creates
local jobs. Turning this area into rental housing contributes to suburban sprawl rather
than a self-sustaining local economy.
3. Infrastructure and Traffic Concerns: This intersection is already experiencing higher
traffic volumes due to new housing in Watermark and surrounding developments.
Additional residential units will further strain existing roads and utilities without
contributing proportionately to the tax base needed for infrastructure upgrades.
4. Precedent and Planning Integrity: The rezoning of this area has already been
rejected. The city’s long-range plan envisioned this corridor as a commercial node
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supporting nearby neighborhoods. Changing course now disregards that vision and
sends an inconsistent message to developers and residents alike.
Other nearby communities, such as Hugo’s Victor Gardens and the new developments in Lino Lakes,
have shown how well-designed commercial districts can thrive when given time. These areas feature
daycare centers, clinics, salons, and cafés—exactly the types of amenities that residents here want
and need. Centerville has the same potential. Rezoning this parcel prematurely closes that door.
The city has an opportunity to cultivate a vibrant, balanced community—one where residents can live,
work, and shop locally. I urge the City Council to maintain the current commercial zoning on Main
Street and 21st Avenue North to preserve Centerville’s future growth potential and protect the
interests of both current and future residents.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Please contact me if you would like to discuss
this further.
Sincerely,
Andria Mattlin
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