Who is MACV?

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans was founded in 1980. The non-profit organization provides services, including housing, employment, and legal aid, that address the reasons for Veterans’ homelessness in order to create sustainable housing opportunities. MACV creates a trusted network of organizations that offers services and resources for Veterans. They support every Veteran, wherever they are on their individual path. Visit www.mac-v.org to learn more about their work.

Who is Lennar?

Lennar was founded in Miami, FL in 1954 and is now one of the largest homebuilders in the country. Lennar has built over one million new homes for families across America. They build in cities across the country and their communities cater to all lifestyles and family dynamics - whether a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, multigenerational family, or an active adult.

How do MACV and Lennar partner?

Lennar employs a large number of veterans either directly or as subcontractors. In an effort to give back to those who have served the United States, the Lennar Foundation has looked for opportunities to help provide housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. MACV and Lennar have combined to build several houses in the Twin Cities. Lennar provides funding, building materials, and labor. In turn, MACV becomes the owner and landlord of the properties developed.

Who will own the property?

Lennar would purchase the property from Mount Calvary and then give the property to MACV. MACV will take on a ghost mortgage to show good faith in retaining the property. MACV would be the new owner and landlord of the north property.

What is the timeline for the proposed sale of property?

The proposed timeline would see Mount Calvary signing a purchase agreement with Lennar that would complete the sale in September/October.

When would the building project commence?

Lennar and MACV have indicated that the first phase of building would not be commenced until spring of 2025.

How was Mount Calvary connected with these partners?

In February 2023 - after church council approval - Mount Calvary offered Dakota County the opportunity to consider building a 24/7 shelter for those experiencing homelessness. After feedback from the Cedar Grove neighborhood and conversations with Dakota County Social Services, the proposal to build a shelter was tabled indefinitely. In April 2023, Pastor Tom met with representatives of Dakota County Veterans’ Services, Jon Lovald (MACV), Joe Jablonski (Lennar), and Rebecca Bowers (Dakota County) to discuss the possibility of the property being used for permanent housing for veterans. The Church Council gave permission to Pastor Tom to enter into conversations about the feasibility of pursuing this project with MACV and Lennar. In February 2024, MACV and Lennar made a presentation to the Church Council and the Finance Team. Following the presentation, the Church Council voted unanimously to continue these conversations in earnest and gave Lennar/MACV permission to schedule a preliminary meeting with the City of Eagan to discuss the project. During this preliminary meeting with the City of Eagan, city representatives indicated a willingness to begin a process of consideration.

What will happen to the Dakota Alano Society?

Mount Calvary has a deep respect for the lifesaving work that happens at the Alano House. Every week, 300+ people meet in that space to help put their lives back together or to support others who are doing the same work. We are grateful for the ways that lives are changed in that special space! From the beginning of this exploration on alternative site usage, Mount Calvary has had open and frank conversations with the leadership of the Alano Society. It is our intention to invite Dakota Alano Society to move into the primary church building and to work out a schedule to meet as many of their facility needs as possible. The leadership of Dakota Alano Society is excited by the possibilities for better meeting space, alternative meeting styles, and for a chance to increase the work that they are doing. The invitation into the church serves as a real possibility for partnership and the chance to save more lives. The worshiping community of Mount Calvary will continue to have priority in the usage of building space on Wednesdays and Sundays. However, having Dakota Alano Society in the building throughout the week will mean an increase in overall building usage. Mount Calvary’s staff and leadership will work hard to accommodate as many activities as possible – this also includes usage by current renters such as TOPS and Twin Cities Bronze.

What will we do about building security and community safety?

Mount Calvary Church Council has authorized the purchase of cameras which will be integrated into our updated security system. These cameras will allow us to monitor everyone that comes and goes from the building, as well as to monitor some key places within the building. Our new security system allows us to have up-to-date real-time information about who has accessed the building. Having the new system has also allowed us to hit the reset button on the people that have been granted access to cards and keys. All of our rental groups have vetted point people to host their groups as a whole. This is true for current groups and will be the case as things change. The Council and staff will continually reevaluate what steps are necessary to keep all our folks - members and guests - safe.

Who will live at the new Veterans’ Village?

MACV will serve as the landlord for the new Veterans’ Village. The renters for each unit will be screened and serviced by MACV (and also the VA in some cases). Each of the renters will go through an application process and will be offered housing based on the internal processes of MACV.

Is this temporary or permanent housing?

Unlike the previous ideation around a temporary shelter, the new Veterans’ Village will be permanent housing. Each renter will have an annual lease and will be subject to the rental regulations established and maintained by MACV. In theory, each renter would be able to use this housing in relative perpetuity.

Will there be services provided to the renters of the Veterans’ Village?

Yes. MACV will have a site manager available in order to meet the ongoing or acute needs of the residents. MACV deeply values living in relationship with its neighbors and the real sense of community to both welcome and support their veterans. The services provided cover the gamut of needs that people require.

What is Mount Calvary’s internal process for deciding whether or not to sell the property?

Church Council - under advisement of the Finance Team - approved bringing the question to the members of Mount Calvary regarding the sale of the north property. According to our governing documents - constitution and by-laws - all voters who are confirmed members in good standing and of legal voting age (18) in Minnesota are eligible to vote. After a motion to sell is made and seconded at the May annual meeting, there will be discussion. Following the conclusion of the discussion, there will be a paper ballot at that point. We are doing a printed ballot to ensure that we meet all constitutional and legal standards for the vote. A simple majority is necessary for the motion to pass. If the congregation approves the sale of the property, a team comprised of our Council President, Council Treasurer, Council Member-at-Large, and member of the Finance Team will enter into negotiations with Lennar Builders. We will also be retaining the services of legal counsel with expertise in real estate transactions.

How will Mount Calvary determine who is an eligible voting member?

Those who are already official members of the congregation will be confirmed by an internal staff membership audit. Mount Calvary will also extend an invitation to regular participants who have not already become members to consider membership for the sake of participating in this important decision. We have “non-members” who have been part of the church for years and in some cases decades. Now may be the time to officially join in order to participate. Additionally, we will invite our associate members to also consider full membership. Regardless of the length of participation at Mount Calvary, we want those who are invested and connected with the congregation to be able to help make this decision.

What are the financial goals of this project?

The Church Council and Finance Team have the goal of a fair market sale price in mind. The congregation will not be listing the property with any brokers or real estate agents. The sale of any portion of Mount Calvary property will be completely dependent on the fit of the mission of the purchasing organization. Ultimately, the goal would be to use proceeds from the sale of this portion of the property to 1) eliminate the mortgage debt of the congregation and 2) supplement a newly formed endowment at Mount Calvary. This is an opportunity for the congregation to solidify a healthy financial footing for current and future ministry.

Who will get preference in future facility scheduling?

Mount Calvary worship services, programs, and congregational standing groups (ie. Quilters, Women’s Bible Study, Calvary Carillons, etc) will have first priority for ongoing building usage. Additionally, current renters will have priority in ongoing scheduling with current space, time, and day preferences. Mount Calvary will coordinate with Dakota Alano Society to schedule meetings that will not interfere with currently scheduled events and activities of the congregation and renters. There is the possibility that more than one group will be utilizing the building at the same time. For new activities and events - whether by members or renters - those requests will be handled in a first-come first-serve manner at the discretion of the Director of Administration.

How will the local neighborhood be involved/informed about the project?

When it is time for rezoning hearings, all neighbors within 1000 feet of the property will be informed by the City of Eagan. During our previous engagement with the neighborhood, a neighborhood coalition asked us to consider “doing something for the veterans.” We feel like this project has paid attention to the requests/desires of the immediate neighborhood. We are not planning on holding any neighborhood meetings prior to the official business of the City of Eagan.

How many units will be in the new Veterans’ Village?

The exact number of units has not yet been determined. They will be a mixture of one and three bedroom units to house singles and families. The estimated number of units will be between 15-25.

Will absentee and proxy votes be allowed for the congregational vote?

No. The proposed motion will be available to the congregation beginning on Sunday, May 5th. The motion is based on a similar motion put forth and accepted by the people of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Having the motion before the congregation for two weeks will give the people of Mount Calvary time to consider any amendments or points to be made in discussion. The issue with proxy and absentee ballots is that any amendment to the motion will nullify all proxy and absentee ballots. Additionally, Mount Calvary has not historically made use of proxy or absentee ballots.

What is the quorum for the vote on May 19th?

In order to put the vote on this important issue before the congregation, a quorum of 50 eligible voters is required by our constitution and by-laws.