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City of Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan GEMLK 140643 Page 32 • It is the policy of the City of Gem Lake to coordinate land use with its neighboring communities to maximize amenities and development across suburban boundaries. • It is the policy of the City of Gem Lake to encourage redevelopment in its Gateway District that achieves goals of acceptable densities while maintaining the integrity of Gem lake’s heritage. • It is the policy of the City of Gem Lake to set water sustainability goals to minimize the impact of deep wells impacting the subsurface aquifers. • It is the policy of the City of Gem Lake to review proposed institutional developments on a case-by-case basis. It is possible that this development could be permitted within other zoning areas in the city, if compatible with its overall land use goals. • It is the policy of the City of Gem Lake that it will support the viability of the present golf course in the City as recreational open space, and to try to acquire additional recreational open space for passive viewing of other attractive areas. • It is acknowledged that the character and natural environment of the City of Gem Lake depends on the continuance of natural vegetation within and along its borders. The City will encourage the continued planting of new and the preservation of existing trees to sustain and improve the natural beauty of the community. • Aesthetic considerations for new and existing construction should be addressed through better performance standards in the zoning ordinance and other ordinances. Controls addressing signage, lighting, appearance, landscaping and vegetative screening, among other items, will be defined in the City’s consolidated land use ordinance. The natural character of the City of Gem Lake, as well as general quality of life found here, is very important to residents. At the same time, the controls should not be so restrictive that they stifle the creativity and individuality of planners and designers, or place an unreasonable financial burden on the property owner. Perimeter landscaping and screening of parking lots, loading areas, outdoor storage and building mechanical units will be regarded as important components of development. However, minimizing light and noise pollution will be important considerations. • It is important that the development of property which borders other communities be done in coordination with these communities. There is now a need for dialog and coordination of plans with the City of White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and the City of Vadnais Heights. • Discussion with adjoining communities to facilitate cooperation and sharing of existing public utilities, such as water and sanitary sewer, should be initiated. Extensions of such utilities from adjacent communities will likely provide the most cost effective method of delivering these utilities to the City of Gem Lake. Each of these adjacent community’s services could be used in selected portions of the City. Potential joint power agreements with the City of White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and the City of Vadnais Heights may result from the initiation of discussion by Gem Lake. • The review of conditional or interim use permits or re-zonings of particular areas of the City must take into account impacts on adjacent uses, air and water quality, traffic generation, public safety and health, aesthetics and economic effects. • Wildlife and natural vegetation in the City adds to the quality of life in Gem Lake. The wildlife and natural vegetation should be preserved and protected from over- development.