2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Existing Pattern of Land Use in the City of Gem Lake Understanding present development in the City of Gem Lake is the key to creating an appropriate future pattern of land use. The Figure 1 - Existing Land Use Map (2008) illustrates the generalized pattern existing as of January 2008. Current land use within the City of Gem Lake represents historical patterns that have occurred since the City was formed in 1959. Commercial/Business Land Use The existing commercial/business land uses in the City of Gem Lake are concentrated in and around the Highway 61/County Road E intersection. This includes two large car dealerships, other auto/motorcycle oriented businesses and a marine sales retailer. A small neighborhood bar, a coffee shop and a retail floral establishment also exist in this area. There are approximately 43 acres in this category. Single Family Residential Land Use Existing single family residential land makes up -the largest portion of the city and ranges from: 1) a 45 acre horse ranch located along Goose Lake Road, 2) many single family estates around the water body called Gem Lake, 3) a large number of executive size houses on 2 to 3 acre lots in the Little Fox Lane, Big Fox Road and the Hillary Farm Lane areas, 4) many single family homes on % to one acre lots along Scheuneman and Goose Lake Roads, and, 5) some single family homes on 1/4 to 1/2 acre lots in the northeast corner of the City. There are approximately 486 acres in this category. Institutional Land Use The White Bear Montessori School is located at the southwestern corner of the City and comprises the only public land use at this time. A Gem Lake City Hall is available to the residents of the City in the northeast corner of the City and is part of a joint project by White Bear Township and the City of Gem Lake. The City Hall is sited on a lot in White Bear Township that is directly on the White Bear Township/Gem Lake City Limits, and, as such, it is not identified on the following City of Gem Lake map. There are approximately 3 acres in this category. Park, Recreational or Preservation Land Use The recreational land use is comprised of the Gem Lake Hills Golf Course in the northern portion of the City, which is privately owned and operated. The golf course land is designated in existing land use plans as low -density residential, though re -development has never been sought. The City of Gem Lake currently owns no property for park, recreational or preservation areas. There are approximately 63 acres in this category. City of Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan I page 5-2