1996 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - Laserfiche WebLink

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on a realistic appraisal of the small size of the community, and due to the realities of service economics which justify provision of services on a larger territorial basis. It is a further goal that these public services should be obtained on a long-term contractual basis with surrounding municipalities. This should keep per capita expenses in relation to services rendered at the lowest possible level for both the residents of Gem Lake and surrounding communities. The residents of Gem Lake desire to cooperate with adjacent communities to achieve a compatible land development and public services pattern. Recognizing the small size of Gem Lake in relation to the substantial urbanizing pattern in the vicinity, the City of Gem Lake will place considerable importance in cooperating with other local units of government in encouraging the compatible development of this sub -region of the metropolitan area. 4.3 Principal Issues Gem Lake, like every public community, has a set of major issues that should be faced if the City is to be developed in a form that is consistent: with stated community goal$. At-the adspti issues listed below ap se -most critical and, as such, :tafe ish a focus for many of the plan proposals. osals. The succeeding chapters of this document address these issues in the course of establishing specific plan proposals. • Densityof Residential Development- Consistent with the goal of maintaining a "rustic" environment in a natural setting, the City of Gem Lake will seek to maintain a low -density residential development pattern (approximately 0.3 to 1.0 dwelling units per net acre). This commitment lies in the face of substantial pressure from developers who seek to construct higher density developments. It is the position of Gem Lake that the community's existing natural resource base, its existing land use, its limited ability to provide a wide range of urban services, combined with the planned allowance of higher development densities within other communities within a reasonable radius of Gem Lake, all substantiate the City's position. Furthermore, the residents of Gem Lake have expressed the desire to maintain a low density community. Limited Commercial Expansion_ While Gem Lake has provided some additional space for commercial expansion within its corporate limits, it is recognized that there will be increased pressures for commercial expansion both along U.S. Highway 61 and along County Road E at the south corporate limits. (This is a major conflict between the Gem Lake and Vadnais Heights plans.) While these pressures are recognized, it is the City's intention to maintain a stance of commercial containment in Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00 Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 11