2022 Vol 16, Issue 3 May Gem Lake News

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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Purple Line Route Changes are Under Consideration Plans for the Metro Purple Line, a new Bus Rapid Transit line in Ramsey County are getting another look. Project staff is looking at ending the now 15 mile line somewhere along County Road E, between Highway 61 and Interstate 35E in Vadnais Heights, or at the Maplewood Mall Transit Center. Both options would include offering connecting bus service between the Maplewood Mall Transit Center and downtown White Bear Lake. Keeping the route as planned, with the northern end in downtown White Bear Lake, is also being evaluated. The suggested modifications respond to a White Bear Lake City Council resolution that requests the Purple Line not enter the City of White Bear Lake. The options were discussed at the Purple Line’s Corridor Management Committee (CMC) on April 29. Presentation slides can be found on the project website. The committee includes elected and appointed officials from the project partner agencies, and was formed to advise the Metropolitan Council and Ramsey County on the Purple Line’s design and construction. At the meeting, committee members expressed support for the effort to consider alternative routes. The public will be invited to share feedback this summer. The current timeline calls for Purple Line construction to begin in 2024. Stay up-to-date on the METRO Purple Line project by reaching out to Liz Jones, Senior Community Outreach Coordinator, at 651-602-1977 or Elizabeth.jones@metrotransit.org. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi Speaks to Council Ramsey County Attorney John Choi was a featured speaker at the April 19 Gem Lake City Council meeting. He discussed recent increases in crimes such as carjackings and auto thefts in Ramsey County and highlighted efforts to curb these trends. Strategies included more coordination between law enforcement and community groups, keeping an eye on deterrents that have worked in the past, monitoring charging statistics, etc. Choi also provided an analysis of crime trends during the pandemic and how some crimes increased, while others decreased. The Council expressed their gratitude at Choi’s attendance. Gem Lake of the Future: Highlights from the Comprehensive Plan The population of Gem Lake has grown from 216 in 1970 to over 500 currently. (528 according to the 2020 Census.) Since 1990, the population is expected to grow about 27% by 2030. The growth trend is expected to continue, with populations approaching 600 in the years ahead. Employment within the city has grown from 230 jobs in 1970 to over 640 estimated for 2040. The median age of a Gem Lake resident is 37.5, which is about two years older that the U.S. average of 35.3. This slightly higher average age is found in both the City of White Bear Lake and White Bear Township. In terms of residential development, Gem Lake citizens are overwhelmingly housed in single-family owner- occupied homes. This makes up 89% of dwelling units. The adjoining communities range from 74 to 93 percent for the same factors. Housing values are very similar in Gem Lake and White Bear Township. Gem Lake has a median home value of $295,500 based on 2016 estimates. This compares to $253,700 for White Bear Township. The median home value in the City of White Bear Lake was $206,400, again based on 2016 estimates. The 2020 Comprehensive Plan contains much more detail on trends, demographics and future plans. You are encouraged to attend the next Council Meeting on May 17 to find out more.