The peace, quiet, and silence of Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center is under threat, as is the tranquility of life and well-being expected by our neighbors in the agricultural area of Isanti County.

Nearby landowners are seeking a Conditional Use Permit for Rural Tourism for a new wedding venue and event center directly in our quiet, rural, agricultural area. Granting this permit threatens the tranquility of the area, introducing noise, light pollution, and increased traffic into our normally serene rural environment. The proposed wedding venue and event center would destroy the expectation that residents have for a peaceful neighborhood.

At least 50 homes and properties are nearby and would be directly impacted by this proposal, as well as another 30 properties that would be impacted more indirectly. 

Pacem in Terris has existed in rural Isanti County for 37 years, serving more than 30,000 guests who come seeking a place where they can enjoy silence and be alone with God. Pacem's hermitages, with outdoor porches, are situated within a mile of the proposed venue. Noise from the venue would travel unimpeded across Lake Tamarack and disrupt our guests' experience. This would be devastating to our pre-existing non-profit business.

Figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that noise pollution can have severe health impacts, not only on humans but also on wildlife (source: EPA).

Zoning and zoning ordinances exist for a reason. We are not against the establishment of a business, but this type of venue belongs in a location zoned for business, not in a residential community where it will have a detrimental impact on neighbor's everyday lives. Other communities, such as Afton, have denied Conditional Use Permits for this very reason. (Source: https://www.republicaneagle.com/news/government/no-wedding-bells-in-afton/article_c33b6457-5c63-52fe-8f13-6267e7df7b09.html)

According to the Isanti County Sheriff's office, a separate wedding and event center has had 711 law enforcement calls since opening in 2019. The proposed wedding venue is located in a much more densely populated area than the one which has already received so many law enforcement calls and complaints.

There is a peaceful resolution. Build this wedding venue and event center in a different location, preferably one zoned for business.

Granting of the permit not only contradicts the core values of preserving agricultural land but also imposes detrimental effects on local residents and wildlife. Therefore, we call upon Isanti County officials to consider our plea and decline the Conditional Use Permit for the proposed wedding venue and event center. Show your support for the wellbeing of our community – sign and share the petition. Thank you.