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Landowners urge Lakeville to remove century farm and parcels from proposed annexation
Summary
At the July 20 Lakeville City Council meeting, residents Chris Molitor and Jim Sauber formally objected to a proposed orderly annexation with Eureka Township, requesting their parcels be removed from the draft boundary and asking for notice and a public hearing.
Chris Molitor, who identified himself as a Lakeville resident and fourth-generation landowner, told the City Council on July 20 that his family's century-old farm is included in a draft orderly annexation agreement with Eureka Township and urged the council to take it off the map. "Our family's roots here run deep," Molitor said. "We don't want it rezoned. We don't want it developed." He asked the council to "erase that circle" that marks his land on the annexation proposal and to let his family remain part of Eureka Township.
Jim Sauber, representing GTJ Company, delivered a formal objection letter and said the company currently owns 10 parcels included in the draft annexation area. Sauber said his family has held the property since 1876 and described the submission as "a formal, unequivocal objection" to inclusion in any current or future orderly annexation agreement. He listed concerns including loss of rural character, higher city tax rates, unnecessary or unwanted services, lack of property-owner consent, impacts on land use and property rights, and financial effects on the township. Sauber asked the council to enter the objection into the public record, remove the parcels from maps and planning documents, and provide adequate notice and a hearing for affected owners.
Both speakers noted that being inside an orderly annexation agreement does not immediately change zoning or development rights but said the designation is a first step that moves land closer to potential rezoning or development in the future. Molitor and Sauber urged the council to prioritize managing growth within Lakeville's current boundaries before pursuing outward annexation.
No formal action on the annexation was taken during the meeting; both speakers left copies of objections with city staff. The council proceeded with other agenda items. The council's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026.
