This view is from Pacem's boardwalk on Lake Tamarack, approximately half a mile from the proposed wedding venue and event center. (Photo by Debbie Trunk)

Among our valid concerns is that noise from those gathered at the venue, music, and an additional 25-30,000 vehicles/traffic passing nearby annually will drastically impact individual's experience of peace and tranquility at Pacem, such as sitting on the lake.

Noise travels where it will, especially over a lake with nothing to impede it. Given that the majority of guests come over weekends - the same time when weddings and events are held - the proposed business threatens our ministry, which has been in existence in Isanti County for 37 years and has served more than 30,000 guests from around the world.

It doesn't make sense for the County to favor one business in the name of rural tourism, over a pre-existing business that's already drawn so many to the County.

We know that pre-existing wedding venues in the County have already generated a fair number of complaints to the County over traffic, parking, noise, debris, and other concerns. Neighbors have a right to be concerned about the addition of another wedding venue so close to their homes.

Please help us finish strong. We have 1,729 petition signers. With just a few more, we can get that number to 1,750 or 1,800. Please share the petition with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and Pacem supporters, especially those who live in the north metro or Isanti County.

Tomorrow, we'll be printing off the entire list, as well as all of the written comments to present to the Isanti County Planning Commission at their meeting.

We appreciate you and your support of this issue. Thank you!