2006 07-26 CC PACKET - Laserfiche WebLink

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MMB JUN 14 2006 J need for Gem Lake to plan for and develop higher densities of residential housing and provide public water and sewer in response to the growth and urbanization of the surrounding communities. Compliance with these recommendations has not occurred. b. Quantity of land within the subject area; the natural terrain including recognizable physical features, general topography, major watersheds, soil conditions and such natural features as rivers, lakes and major bluffs. The City of Gem Lake is essentially suburban in nature. The terrain is heavily wooded. The main geographic feature is the 25 acre lake, also known as Gem Lake. The lake is entirely within the boundaries of the City of Gem Lake. The City of Gem Lake is 720 acres, none of which is intensively developed urban property. The City has a gently rolling topography. There are no physical features of the City that will prevent either detachment or annexation. However, having the immediate watershed of Gem Lake within one jurisdiction would seem to allow for more efficient and effective protection of this important community resource. (c) Present pattern of physical development, planning, and intended land uses in the subject area including residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional land uses and the impact of the proposed action on those uses. The City of Gem Lake's boundaries are adjacent to the City of Vadnais Heights on the entire south boundary of Gem Lake, the entire westerly boundary and part of the easterly boundary of Gem Lake. The southern border of Gem Lake is County Road E. That road is also part of the northern boundary of Vadnais Heights. Most of Gem Lake is zoned for single family residential purposes. There are no multifamily housing developments, no industrial development and limited commercial development. The Subject Property fronts on County Road E on the southern border of Gem Lake. The land to the west of the Subject Property is undeveloped and zoned R-1 residential. The land to the north is partially developed into residences and is also zoned R-1 for residences on three acre parcels. The land to the east of the subject property is zoned commercial and is currently occupied by one of the largest Ford automotive dealers in the Midwest. The Subject Property is currently undeveloped. It consists of approximately 18 acres. The northernmost six acres contain DNR designated wetlands. The front 12 acres of the Subject Property are zoned LBD (low density business). The Subject Property is the only parcel in the City of Gem Lake so 13