2 February 2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Gem Lake News Page 5 of 6 The concept of a sprawling community sports complex nestled in Gem Lake's backyard edged closer to reality last month. The Vadnais Heights City Council recently approved various zoning changes and variances necessary to approve the project, that would be located on the southwest corner of Highway 61 and County Road E. The complex would include several ice rinks, indoor practice fields and tracks, and other athletic facilities that could be used by area sports groups. Locker rooms, concessions, spectator seating would all be included within the 101,000 square foot project. Set on 16 acres, the facility would connect to a nearby restaurant by covered walkway and would potentially spawn redevelopment of three commercial buildings that are nearby to house restaurants, shops and complementary businesses. According to Vadnais Heights Mayor Susan Banovetz, the White Bear Lake Area School District is currently negotiating to make the new ice center the home rink for their high school home hockey program. The next hurdle to be crossed will be the details involved in funding the complex, which will cost around $20 Million to build. It is envisioned that the project will be financed by about $11.5 Million in Recovery Bonds from Ramsey County, as well as tax exempt revenue bonds. Long-term lease revenue from groups using the facilities would pay for the operation of the complex. Banovetz says that city taxes will not be used to pay for the project. Currently the Vadnais Heights City Council is studying the proposals to be sure that enough revenue will be generated by usage. There are also various details that have yet to be finalized, such as how street and traffic configurations may have to be changed or expanded to accommodate the increase in traffic flow. Vadnais Heights Sports Complex: One Step Closer To Reality Metropolitan Council, covering exactly how many people live in Gem Lake. Current data includes some people who no longer live here. Since several key development goals mandated by the Met Council are based on current population data, accurate numbers are crucial. Another list that is badly in need of updating is the Gem Lake business directory. A goal for 2010 will be to come up with a more thorough and accurate list of businesses, including contact name information and an understanding of what each business does. *A very important goal for the city council is the establishment of a scholarship program for high school graduates who are pursuing post secondary education. The program would provide a small amount of money to underwrite education costs for a recent Gem Lake graduate and would be funded by charitable gambling proceeds that the city receives each quarter. The city's 2010 goals list will be finalized at the next several city meetings. (See page 6 for dates and time.) Your input would be greatly appreciated. City Goals for 2010 (continued from page 3)