SPAAR in the news: SPAAR testified against Lakeville development moratorium

SPAAR Government Affairs Director Becky Wegscheid and SPAAR Realtor® member Tony Khambata testified on April 20 in opposition to the City of Lakeville’s proposal to institute a moratorium on development. The city stated that the purpose of the moratorium is “to allow time to study the impact of Metropolitan Council Imagine 2050 requirements and make any needed updates to city plans and controls.”

SPAAR communicated its concerns to the council, warning that this action would worsen an already serious housing affordability and availability crisis in Minnesota. A pause in development would reduce housing supply, leading to higher costs for residents. Additionally, with fewer new homeowners entering the community, the property tax burden on existing residents could increase. SPAAR also emphasized that such a moratorium may signal to developers that Lakeville is not reliably open for business, potentially creating negative perceptions that could hinder future development.

This Lakeville community issue has been covered by local media, including a story on FOX-9 TV news where Wegscheid and Khambata are featured sharing their remarks [see action items portion of story] to the Lakeville City Council.

SPAAR will continue to engage with the City of Lakeville and its leaders as they study the impact of the Metropolitan Council’s plan, as well as the effects of new housing on the city’s school district and infrastructure. SPAAR will also continue to advocate for the timely resumption of responsible development to help address Minnesota’s growing need for housing of all types.

See the Lakeville City Council meeting here, including Wegscheid and Khambata testifying before the City Council (video portion from 33:35-38:52).