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Residents ask Eagan Council to act proactively to deter potential federal detention facilities
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Summary
Multiple residents told the Eagan City Council the city should adopt proactive measures used elsewhere to discourage federal lease or purchase of local industrial properties for detention or processing facilities, and offered property lists and a draft resolution for council consideration.
Several Eagan residents urged the City Council on Feb. 17 to take proactive steps to discourage federal detention or processing facilities from locating in the city, offering a draft resolution and lists of potentially vulnerable properties.
Nancy Lepink told the council she had compiled documents on actions other communities have used to discourage federal lease or purchase of industrial properties and said she drafted a resolution for the council’s consideration. "I urge the council to consider the proactive actions pursued by other communities," Lepink said, asking that the council be prepared to call public hearings and special sessions if the city is notified that the federal government or any private developer intends to convert property for detention use.
Matthew Shands said he and others prepared a list of 17 industrial/warehouse properties in Eagan that, in his view, could be converted to detention use and recommended the city proactively reach out to property owners. Deborah Huganen urged the council to keep the concerns of those who may be uncomfortable speaking publicly in mind during any follow-up.
City response and legal constraints: Mayor said the city was not aware of any proposals for a detention center in Eagan and emphasized legal limits if the federal government acts as the developer under the Constitution's supremacy clause. "The city is not aware of any proposals for a detention center in Eagan," the mayor said, adding that when the federal government acts as developer it is not always bound by state or local zoning, but that the city will use available zoning, land-use and regulatory tools where applicable and will engage regional and state partners.
What was requested and next steps: Residents asked the council to adopt proactive outreach, to share a resolution with county and state officials, and to be notified promptly if property owners enter talks with federal agencies. The mayor said submitted materials were given to City Administrator Diane Miller for distribution to council for review and possible future action.
