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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Although Vadnais Heights and Gem Lake were founded in roughly the same time period, our neighboring city quickly outpaced us in acreage, population and local jobs. Formed in 1957, two years earlier than Gem Lake, Vadnais now has 5,359 households, versus our approximately 149. In the next 20 years, the Vadnais Heights Comprehensive Plan forecasts that the city will add roughly 725 additional households and about 2,000 more jobs. Relative Size and Growth: Gem Lake Versus Vadnais Heights The relative growth patterns of neighboring cities has become a topic of discussion in recent months as each city asks for feedback on its own comprehensive plan from the cities surrounding it. Each city in the metro area is required to write a comprehensive plan every ten years for the Metropolitan Council. The plans forecasts planned growth, land use, water and sewer issues, traffic patterns, and much more. Standing at over ten times our size in acreage, Vadnais Heights covers a total area of 8.3 square miles, of which 7.3 is designated as land and the other mile is water. About 25% of the buildable land is taken up by low density housing, which is defined as single and two-family houses. In Gem Lake, the vast majority of land is taken up by low density housing. Vadnais Heights had a population of 13,069 in 2000, (versus Gem Lake's approximately 389) and expects a 28.5% growth rate by 2010 to a population of 16,800. Land Use and Density Issues Including only buildable property, Vadnais Heights has only about 6 percent of the community left to develop. The intention will be to develop the residential portion of this land (roughly 100+ acres), at a fairly high rate of density, at least compared to Gem Lake. The city forecasts that about 62 of these acres will be developed in the R-1 classification, which means low density Vadnais Heights 2010 Comprehensive Plan Maps Out Future Growth housing, This is designated as up to four housing units per acre. Approximately 32 of these acres will be developed in the R-2 classification, which means medium density housing. This is designated as up to eight units per acre. The remaining nine buildable acres on residential land will be devoted to the R-3 classification, which is high density housing, up to 22 units per acre. Met Council Expectations Regional development framework guidelines set up by the Metropolitan Council establishes an overall minimum standard for residential development of 3 to 5 units per acre. This standard was developed to make the most efficient use of regional systems such as roads and wastewater systems. The Vadnais Heights Comprehensive Plan forecasts that the city will easily meet or exceed these density standards. Their target average density will be 5 units plus per acre, with higher density in locations with convenient access to transportation corridors and with adequate sewer capacity. How the Plan Impacts Gem Lake Several items in the plan directly, or indirectly, impact the neighboring city of Gem Lake. For instance, Vadnais Heights plans to extend water service to the vicinity of Goose Lake and LaBore Roads, to mirror sanitary sewer line extensions to this same area. Water service there would serve the existing residential and commercial properties, as well as future development associated with the potential extension of LaBore Road up to White Bear Parkway. The Vadnais Heights Sports Complex is now under construction near the intersection of Highway 61 and County Road E. The complex will include indoor multi-purpose athletic fields and two NHL-sized ice sheets, a 100-meter track and various commercial buildings and facilities in support of the complex. The facility is expected to bring not only attention and additional business to the area, it is also expected to have an impact on traffic volumes. Complete copies of the comprehensive plans of both cities are available on-line.