2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - Laserfiche WebLink

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3.0 Community Development Trends and Determinants Gem Lake has many unique features that should be considered when developing a comprehensive plan. Physical development within the City, its natural resources, people, economy and governmental plan must be placed in context with the larger metropolitan area. The communities in the immediate vicinity should be given special attention. The following subject areas impact the city's plan: Creation of Gem Lake The City of Gem Lake was created through a referendum conducted in 1959. The City was one of several municipal jurisdictions which incorporated during the 1950s, in response to a rapid increase in urbanization pressures. In addition to Gem Lake, the municipalities of Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Shoreview, and Vadnais Heights, all within a five mile radius, were incorporated during that time frame. Geographical Setting The City of Gem Lake encompasses a land area of approximately 725 acres in the north central portion of Ramsey County. The City is located approximately seven miles north of the central business district of St. Paul, and approximately 11 miles northeast of the central business district of Minneapolis. Gem Lake is bounded on the north by White Bear Township. The City of White Bear Lake generally bounds the City on the east. Vadnais Heights bounds the City partially on the east, entirely on the south and west, and partially on the north. The northern and eastern boundaries of the City are well defined by the rights -of -way of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Most of the southern boundary of the City is also County Road E. The westem border of the City is also Labore Road. In proximity to the City's western border is Interstate Highway 35E (I-35E). U.S. Highway 61 cuts through the southeastern portion of the City. Natural Features of Gem Lake The natural environment of Gem Lake is unquestionably of a very high quality, the preservation or enhancement of which should be considered as the City more fully develops. City of Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan 1 page 3-1