2019 Vol.13 Issue 1 February - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 3 of 6 Gem Lake 2040: A Vision for the Future Over the years, it is thought that Highway 61 could become more of a transportation corridor with more housing options within walking distance. The transporation could be provided through the Rush Line Bus Rapid Transit, or other solutions. As development happens, the concept of a livable community is always forefront in the 2018 plan. Basically, the plan lays out the strategy for Gem Lake to accommodate development that is coming from within and outside its borders, while still maintaining its place as a green oasis within the metro area. To get the job done, the City of Gem Lake enlisted the help of two outside agencies to complete this monumental task. They are the engineering firm of SEH, which acts as Gem Lake’s engineering representative, and the consulting firm of Northwest Associated Consultants, which specializes in helping cities with this type of plan. The draft of the plan will shortly be posted to the Gem Lake web-site, where residents are encouraged to read it. Winter Parking Rules in Effect in Gem Lake No parking is allowed on any city street in Gem Lake after a snowfall of two inches or more, until after streets have been plowed, according to City Ordinance Number 86. (Section 6.4.2) If cars are parked on city streets after a snowfall, the plows could have to make an extra trip back in the hopes that the cars would be gone. "We want to be responsible with your money, so please get your car moved off the streets when we get a snowfall," says Mayor Bob Uzpen. What does the Gem Lake of the future look like? While no one knows for sure, some potential answers lie in the Gem Lake 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The plan has been completed in draft form and submitted to surrounding cities for their comment. The Metropolitan Council requires that all cities within the Twin Cities Metropolitan area submit a detailed comprehensive plan every ten years. This plan covers everything from land use and transportation to parks and storm water run-off. The elements of each plan are required to follow a predetermined template. The project is extensive and typically takes multiple years and significant engineering expertise to complete. The Comprehensive Plan highlights Gem Lake potential growth patterns for the next 20 years and lays out an accompanying infrastructure plan to accommodate that growth. For instance, it is projected that the population of Gem Lake in 2030 will be around 500 and could grow to around 530 by 2040. Some growth will come as a results of mixed use development that could occur in the Gateway District, which encompasses the business district and open parcels along County Road E. These parcels might have blended residential and commercial uses, as well as green space and trails for biking and walking. Perhaps a town center feeling emerges as the emphasis on car dealership changes a bit.