HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996 COMPREHENSIVE PLANGem Lake
Minnesota
Comprehensive Plan
5EH No. A-GEMLK9501.00
February 1996
Tab,le of Contents,
1J3 Use of the Plan . . . . . . . — . . . , . . . . .- . , . . .
1.1 F�| cf Preparing the Plan ....,....
1.2 Use ofPlan bvthe City Plan ningCon)r0isaion ...............
1.3 Use. Ofthe Plan by the City Cou no| .... .... ...............
1.4 Relationship of Other Municipal Bodies and Citizens
to t� �Compliance '-'-'�—' '''''^''`''`''''''-'''''^'`'^'-'''''
........ ' ` `-'.-..-
3�� Community Development Trends and Determinants ...............
3.1
Creation ofGem Lake ..........................
3.2
Geographical Setting ............^.....^.............
18
Natural Features ofGem Lake ..........—..^.,^.......
3.3.1 Topography``...._.,.^...._._`...._._...
3 'U.2 SUrfaceWater and. D ral nage.....~....'..........
3.3~8 Soils ,'...........,....,'.`.,'.�........._'...
3L3/4 ..'.^.......,^,''`............._.,^
@74
.,...
3.5
Characteristics of ..................
3"6
. . .. .' .
3.7
....^..
3.8
Land Development in, Gem Lake and Vicinity ......,
&.8.1 Residential Development ...... �.�........
.3 �� �Commercial Development ` '
r�'''^'''''''''''''''.
O�.3 Office and Other ' `.^m_--_-_—_-
tons ..........
D.8.4 Industrial Development. ......`..........^..,......
38�5 Public Open Space and, Recreation Areas ......
3.8
Comprehensive Plan Characteristics -in
Contiguous.K4U ....... ,..",..^.......
1
1
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
�
�
5
5
5
6
8
8
7
7
7
7
0
8
8�
4.0 PhaO Assumptions'Goals,PnobheOns and |88ues..,........ ...... .. 9
.4� Plan -.^......'.'''.,`.''—.'''''''' 9
4:2 Community Goals ................................... 10
4]3 Principal hS8Ugs ............. 11
5J0 Land Use Goals and Policies ................................. �' 13
5.1 Land Use Goals ................. 13
5.2 General Land Development Policies .......... 14
610 //"* '''''''''^'''''''''`''''''''19
8.1 The Existing Roadway System...�.'^^.....`.......-... �D
6.1.1
Comprehensive Plan
Gem Lake., Minnesota
Paoej
8.1.2 Collectors................I.................... 20
6.1:3 Local Streets .... . ............. .. 20
6.1.4 Jurisdiction ................... ... , ... `20
6.1.5 Public Transit ........... . ...... 21
6,1.6 Airports ., ...................... .............. .21
6.1.7 Roadway Chan ... 21
6.2 Transportation Policies . ............................ , ... 21
7.0 Sanitary Sewer Plan , ... .... . . . .......... . ..... . .23
7.1 Goals and Policies ........ , ... .. , ................ . .. 25
7.1.1 Goals ........................................ 25
7.1.2 Policies .. ............ . ..... 25
8.0 Water Supply Plan .................... .. 27
8:1. Water Supply System ... .. , . , .. ................ 27
8.2 Water Supply Policies 28
9.0 Housing Plan ............ . .. ...................... , .. 28
9.1 Housing Supply 28
9.2 Housing Goals and Policies .................. 31
10.0 Storm Drainage Plan ..... . ......... . . , ..... 32
10.1 Storm Drainage Policies .... 32
11.0 Community Facilities and Services Plan ........ ...... 33
11.1 Police .... ..... , .... ..... .... ........... . . 33
11..2 Fire Protection .... . .. . ..... . ...................... . 33
11.3 Road Maintenance ..... . , . 34
11.4 Professional. Assistance ............ . ......... . ... 3411.5 Municipal Building .. 34
11.6 Public Schools ...... 34
11.7 Health Facilities ..................................... 34
11.8 Outdoor Recreational Facilities 34
12.0 Plan Implementation ....... . .................. ........ 35
12.1 Zoning Ordinance ........ ...... , .. 35
12.2 Other Ordinances . , ............................ . ...... 37
12,3 Capital Improvement Plan .................... ..... 38
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK95D1.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page ii
February 1996
Comprehensive Plan
Gem Lake, Minnesota
1.0 Use of the Plan
1.1 Purpose of Preparing the Plan
The Comprehensive Municipal Plan of Gem Lake has been -prepared
with the primary purpose. of guiding the long-term. physical
development of the City including investments in both jjvM -and
publicly oy%med resources. The City Planning Commission and City
Council have both recognized that. investments in physical facilities.
within Gem Lake are usually long-term fixed. assets that establish the.
development character of the City for many years: Accordingly; this
document has been prepared :ta firmly establish the maruter invwhich
citizens and their elected and appointed representatives wish the
City of Gem Lake to develop. {
This plan document is the dd Co. emive Plan prepared for
the City. The first plan waprepared in.1962 but was hot*officially
adopted by the municipal government. A second plan was prepared
in WO and revised in 1982:to meet Metropolitan. Council approval.
This plan draws freely upon the proposals of the 1982 plan, but
incorporates more recent development trends within Gem Lake and
in thedmmediate vicinity of the City. New goals and policies of the
City are also established.. This plan supersedes all. of the contents.of
the -previous plan .document.
The Comprehensive. Plan represents the collective position of the
City Planning Commission and the City Council at the time of its
adoption. While consultant assistance was sought in the preparation
of this plan, the actual recommendations. and policy statements
represent solely those of the City Council, the Planning Commission
and, to the maximum extentpossible, the citizens of Gem Lake.
While the. planis intended primarily its a policy document with.the
principal goal of guiding -the orderly physical development of the
City, the plan should not be consid a detailedprogram for the
implementation of City policies nor shQuld it b considered a
re6latory devicefor accomplishing,thisend. Rather, it -is expected.
that all plan procedures and regulatory devices legally available to
the City will be used in accordance with the provisions of the plan.
A-GEMLK95ol.00
Page 1
The,general time frame of the plan ia: apfproximately 15 to 20 years at
which timeit is anticipated that most,.if not all, land holdings within
GOm Lake will be.committed to some form (if -urban development.
1.2 Use of Plan by the City Planning Commission
The Planning Commission of Gem Lake is a five member .body
appointed by the City Council of Gem. Lake: Members of the
Comxmttee.serve at.- the pleasure. of the City~Council. They may be
reappointed.
*,specifically, with regard. to the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning
Commission has the following major responsibilities: (a) to
periodically review (not less frequently than biannually) and make
suggested. additions and: amendments to the Comprehensive. Plan,
{b) to assure -that all provisions. of the City's. development control.
ordinances (or proposed amendments. or :additions to these
ordinances) are in accordance with the principles. of. the plan, (e) to
review proposed public. capital investments of fine .City of Gem Lake.
to determine their consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and (d)
to review proposed private capital investments within Gem Lake to
assure that are in accordance with the .principies� and proposals
of the plan. While the Planning Commission's responsibilities are
primarily advisory - the -City Council has prime authority in carrying
out the plans features - the Planning Commission nevertl'eless is
considered to.be the City's. primary body in terms of making explicit
.interpretations of the plan's stated proposals.
1.3 Use of the Plan by the City CdUtWl
The City Council is a five; member body directly elected by the
citizens of Gem Lake. Council members are elected to four year
staggered terms and the. Mayor. is elected to. a 2 year term. As the
primary policy making body of the City of Gem Lake, the Council
has the following . principal responsibilities in relation to the.
Comprehensive Municipal Plan: (a) to assure, to the maximum extent
possible; that the policies containd within the Comprehensive Plan
document represent the .viewpoint of *the citizens of the community,
(b) to attempt to make incremental policy decisions in normal council
deliberations that are consistent with the. plans provisions, (c) to
make public capital expenditures and related expenditures consistent
with :the principles of the plan, and (d) to exercise the ultimate
review and
adoptiigi of all: onginaI plan provisions and amendments
to the plan forwakded to the Council by the Planning Commission.
1.4 Relationship of Other Municipal Bodies and Citizens. to the Plan
Beyond .guiding the actions Qf the City Planning. Commission and the
City Council, the plan :is designed to be an educational device
designed to convey to all people in Gem Lake_ the manner in which
the City i&desired to develop. The plan is intended to convey the
unique assets; liabilities, and key development issues facing:the City
Comprehensive Plan. A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 2
in the coming gears. Citizens interested in .interpretations of the
provisions. of `.the Comprehensive Municipal Plan, or revisions to it;.
are -encouraged to meet with the Plarod ig Commission -at .its
regularly Kheduled sessions.
1.5 Compliance with the.Plan
The Comprehensive Plan of Gem Lake is designed to be more than
a mere document spelling out general municipal. policies. It is.
principally intended as a decision -making aid. primarily for. (a)
.guiding the expenditure of public -cap ital funds and (b) establishing
the underlying rationale. for the development codes and ordinances.
which more specifically control private development within the City.
In particular, the Comprehensive Plan is the -_guiding document of
zoning.
Minnesota State Statute 462.356 (Subdivision 2) further spells out
required compliance with theplan where i bli capital;investments
are .involved:
NAAec a Comprehensive Municipal Plan or Section thereof has.
been recommended.. by the Planning Agency (the Gem Lake
Planning Commission) and a copy filed with the governing body
(the. Gem Lake City Council), .no publicly owned interest in real
Property within the Intinicipalityshall be acquired or disposed
of, nor shall any capital improvement be authorized by the
municipality or special district or agency thereof or any other
.political subdivision having jurisdiction within the municipality
until after: the Planning Agency (City Planning Commission) has
reviewed the proposed acquisition, disposal, or capital
impxoyements and reported in writing to the governing body
(City Council) or other special district or agency or political
.subdivision concerned,. its findings: as to compliance of -the
proposed acquisition,. disposal or improvement with the
Comprehensive Municipal Plan. Failureof the Planning Agency
to -report on the.proposal within 45 flays after such a reference,
or such other period as may b..designated by the governing
body (City Council), shall be deemed to have satisfied the
requirements of this subdivision. The governing body (City
Council) may, by * resolution adopted by two-thirds vote,
dispense with the requirements* of this subdivision when in its
judgmept:.it finds that theproposed acquisition or disposal of real
property or capital improvement has- no relationship to the
Comprehensive Municipal Plan."
1.6 Amendments to the Plan
The Comprehensive Municipal: Planof the . City of Gem Lake is
designed to be amendable. The:City Planning Commission has the
authority granted by the City Council to annually review the
contents -of the Comprehensive: Plan and to recommend any potential
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK- 501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 3
amendments to the City Council. Any amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan beyond an editorial level will be executed only
after a public hearing which is duly advertised in the officially
designated newspaper of the municipality at least ten days prior to
the hearing. Any amendments to the plan can be accomplished by
a % majority vote (of the members of the City Council). All
amendments will be placed on file with the Metropolitan Council of
the Twin Cities Area as well as with all governmental units with
boundaries contiguous to Gem Lake.
3.0 Community Development Trends and Determinants
There are many phenomenons that should be considered as a basis
for developing a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Gem Lake.
Perhaps most significantly, it should be noted that the City is only a
small part of the Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area. The nature
of physical development within Gem Lake, its natural resource base,
its people, its economy, and its governmental plan must all be placed
in context with what is happening in the larger metropolitan area
and, more specifically, that portion of the metropolitan area in the
immediate vicinity of Gem Lake. The primary purpose of this
chapter of the plan is to examine those trends that are most apt to act
as determinants of the Comprehensive Municipal Plan proposals.
3.1 Creation of Gem Lake
The City of Gem Lake was created through a referendum conducted
in 1957. The City was one of several municipal jurisdictions which
incorporated during the 1950s in response to a rapid increase in
urbanization pressures during that time. 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 in that same time.
3.2 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 (see Figure 1). Gem Lake is
bounded on the north by the Town of White Bear. 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 (see Figure 2). The northern and eastern
boundaries of the City are well defined by the rights -of -way of the
Burlington Northern Railroad. Most of the southern boundary of the
City is County Road E. The western border of the City is Labore
Road. In close proximity to the City's western border is Interstate
Highway 35E. U.S. Highway 61 cuts through the southeastern
portion of the City.
Lwompreriensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 4
3.3 . Natural Features of Gem Lake
The natural enyir9nment.of Gem Lake is unquestionably of a very
high quality, the. preservation or enhancement of which should be
considered as the City mor!�fully develops.
3.3.1 Topography
The topography of the community is generally rolling exhibiting
glacial moranic surface features (see Figure 3). Elevations vary
approximately 90 feet. (from 920 feet to 1,010 feet above sea level).
The greatest elevation variations. -aie in the west central and
.northwestern portions of the City where there. are several knobs of
.higher elevations. Virtually all steeper slopes over 10. percent grade
are also in this portion of the City. The northeast and southern
portions of the City range from gently rolling to flat.
3.3.2 Surface Water and Drainage
Most of Gem Lake lies on a low plateau over 950 feet above sea level.
This plateau drains north, west, and south (see Figure }, Since 4.3ern
Lake is in a relatively high elevation with respect to suriounding
lands, no permanent streams exist within the corporate lim:itS.
However; as. is typical of glacial landscapes; much .of * the
muniapality is imperfectly drained with much of the surface water
draining into low lying depressions with no surface outlets. The.
largest of these depressions is Gem. Lake which covers approximately
38 acres including Its attendant wetlands. Much.. of the central
portion of the City drains into this feature. The second Iargest area
of standing water is -a .pond covering about six acres in the
northeastern portion of the City. 1VMost. of the lands north of the Gem
Lake Drainage Area and -south of .Goose Lake Road drains into this
surface feature. There are many -other smaller pockets of intermittent
and permanent surface water storage areas scattered throughout the
municipality.
3.3.3 Soils
Much, if not most, of the surface soils within Gem Lake are glacial:
tills. Consequently, the character of soils can vary significantly .in -a
relatively small -area. Gravel deposits displaying course soils are
located in knobs in the. northwestern portion of the City. In contrast,
finesediments are.located in the "GemLake" and associated wetland
area not far away. Overall, the soils might be characterized as
medium to fine in all. but. (1) the knob areas and (2) in the
northeastern area.of the Citywhere.coarser soils predominate.
3.3.4 Vegetation
Much of the City is. wooded especially in the central portion around.
Gem Lake. There are also- extensive stands of trees in the
northwestern portion of the City along Goose Lake Road.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 5
3.4 Population Growth of Gem Lakeand*Vicinity
Gem Lake is located in the northea§t portion of the Minneapolis -St.
Pahl metropolitan area which has experienced. very rapid
tabanization. This area reached the population "take -off" stage
during the 19506, and accelerated *during the 1960s.
The populations of the cities of Gem`Lake and Vadnais Heights, and
White Bear Lake Township also increased. substantially from 1970 to
1�990, while the populations of the City of White Bear Lake began to
.stabilize (see Table 1).
Current .-and future* ]popdIation trends. as estimated by the
Metropolitan Council indicate that the populations of both Gem Lake
and White%Bear Lake City have stabilized and will remainrelatively
stable. The population of Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake
Township are expected too experience steady growth.
The.low residential density desired by -the citizens of the -City and the
withholding of a -substantial amount of undeveloped land by
individual.with-no desire to develop it; will point to1imited future
population growth.
3.5 Characteristics of Population
Table 2 summarizes selected characteristics of the population of Gem.
Lake and the adjoining governmental units.
The percent of people. older then 35 years old for Gem Lake (46.3) is
vefy similarto the City of White Bear Lake (45.4):and °slightly greater
than White Bear Lake Township and Vadnais Heights. Conversely,
Gem Lake and White Bear Lake have the lowest percentage. of
population in the primary child bearing-.2544 age group. The.
relative stability Of -the population of both Gem Lake at White Bear
Lake City can possibility be partially attributed 'to: these age
distribution figures.
The 1990 median family income level in Gem Lake ($59,224) was by
far thehighest of the adjacent communities, Only 2.3 percent of the
population within Gem Lake was viewed to be below the poverty
line.as defined by the 1990 U.S. Census.
3.6 Employment and Economic Base
As shown in Tables 3 and 4, the City, of Gem Lake has- more, job
opportunities than the population could reasonably be expected to
support. Overall, the nature of commercial development and
employment opportunities is geared to a trade area much larger than
Gem Lake. Auto dealerships are the dominant commercial
enterprises with "Highway service establishments such as service
stations'arid fast food*.establishments constituting a large share.of
remaining commercial activity. There is very little in the way of
commercial development at this stage of the community's
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501:00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 6
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Table 3
Existing and Projected Population, Households,
and Employment in Geis Lake
Year
P 607 1570 1900 1994 2000
2010
2020
% Change
1990-2020
Population
305
216
439
449
460
460
470
(+7.1)
Households.
78
.54
140
144
160
170
190
(+35.7)
Employment
250
537
—
640
680
700
(+30:4)
Employment/Population
—
1:16
1.22
--
1.39
148
1.49
--
Ratio
Table 4
Employment Opportunities in Relation to Population: 1990 1
Employment (within Gem Lake) 537
Resident Population (1990)
439:
Estimated Labor Force (typically approximately 40 percent 175
of population
Surplus Employment Opportunities
362.
Population that Existing Employment Could Support 1,342
SEH No. A-GEMLK9501
development geared to serving the resident population. This is, of
course, due to the City's small population.
3.7 Development of Region -Serving Facilities
Within the last thirty years there has been a very major change in the
provision of region -serving facilities which will tend to accelerate
and shape the development pattern in that portion of the
metropolitan area in which Gem Lake is located. These facilities
include the following:
• The completion of the Interstate Highway segments including I-
694 located approximately one mile south of Gem Lake and I-35E
located to the west with only a small segment of Vadnais Heights
intervening.
• The extension of metropolitan trunk sewers to and beyond the
City of Gem Lake. This provision of major trunk interceptors has
enhanced the potential for large scale development in the Gem
Lake vicinity.
• The construction of a regional shopping center, Maplewood Mall,
approximately two miles southeast of Gem Lake will serve as the
major shopping complex in the area for the foreseeable future.
• Regional Open Space Acquisition and Development Ramsey
County has pursued an aggressive open space acquisition and
development plan. This plan should affect urban development
patterns as well as recreational opportunities in the area.
3.8 Land Development in Gem Lake and Vicinity
3.8.1 Residential Development
Gem Lake residents are overwhelmingly house din single-family
homes (99.3 percent of dwelling units) as atypical of other suburban
communities in this'suburbart• portion o_fhe-metropolitan area.
However, there is a considerable diversity of housing types in the
vicinity of the City both in terms of types and in values (see Table 5).
For example, 7.4 percent of all housing units in adjacent Vadnais
Heights are mobile homes. Substantial shares of housing are in
multiple -family structures such as in White Bear Lake (27.9 percent),
and Vadnais Heights (18.0 percent). Housing values are very similar
amongst the adjoining communities with threeat $97,000
and White Bear Lake City at $87,000.
3.8.2 Commercial Development
Prior to the construction of Maplewood Mall there was a decided
lack of a full service retail commercial center to serve the Gem Lake
area. This center is the dominant retail outlet within the area for
major shopping purposes. Residents of Gem Lake are able to obtain
some convenience items in the traditional "Hoffman's Corners" area
located in the southeastern portion of the City. Lands immediately
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 7
Table 5
Selected Characteristics of Housing for Gem Lake and
Contiguous Governmental Units - 1990
Type
of Housing
Tenure of
Housing
Value
�$]
Total No.
°°
°°
°/o
%
°°
Median
Governmental
Hou f 9
Unit
Units
Multiple
Mobile,
Single
Owner
Renter
Median
Owner -
Family
Home
Family
Occupied
Occupied
Rent
Occupied
Housing
Gem Lake
I49
0.7
0.0
993
95.3.
4.7
$575
$97,100
Cantignuus to
Gem, Lake
White Bear
3,292
7.9
0.8
91.3
93.8
6.2
$639
$97,900
(Township)
White Bear
9,295
27.9
0.0
72.1
70.2
29.8
$545
$87,600
Lake
Vadnais
4,030
18
7.4.
74.6
82.2
17:8
$538
$97,000
Heights
SEH No. A-GEMLK9501
south and west of Gem Lake's corporate boundaries in Vadnais
Heights are planned for additional commercial development. As
was indicated previously in the "Employment and Economic Base"
section of this chapter, the dominant investment in all commercial
development within Gem Lake was in auto dealerships catering to
a trade area well beyond municipal boundaries. Other commercial
investments typically have a "highway service" character such as
service stations and fast food establishments.
3.8.3 Office and Other Employment Concentrations
There is a limited amount of office development in the immediate
vicinity of Gem Lake. These are small concentrations in Vadnais
Heights and in the downtown areas of White Bear Lake and North
St. Paul. The largest concentrations of office space near Gem Lake
are in the central business district of St. Paul, the Midway District of
St. Paul, and in Roseville near the intersection of Snelling and
Highway 36.
3.8.4 Industrial Development
There are no sizeable concentrations of industrial development
within Gem Lake or within a five -mile radius of the City. However,
there are some relatively small concentrations in Little Canada,
Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Vadnais Heights. More
significantly the abutting governmental units of Vadnais Heights and
White Bear (Town) have planned extensive amounts of industrial
land adjacent to Gem Lake. The Town of White Bear plans industrial
development abutting Gem Lake's northern corporate limit; Vadnais
Heights plans industrial development beginning a few hundred feet
south,of Gem Lake's southern corporate boundary.
3.8.5 Public Open Space and Recreation Areas
There are no publicly owned public open space or recreational areas
within Gem Lake. There is a commercial golf course located in the
northeastern portion of the City. Within the area substantial
amounts of open space or recreation areas are either existing,
planned, or under acquisition or development. Approximately two
miles to the west are forest preserve lands owned by the City of St.
Paul. Approximately one mile to the southeast of Gem Lake is a
large community park within White Bear Lake. Most significantly,
very substantial acreages of open space are either planned for or
under acquisition by Ramsey County. Mush of this acreage is in the
neighboring City of Vadnais Heights.
3.9 Comprehensive Plan and Development Characteristics in
Contiguous Municipalities
Due to the small size of Gem Lake, it is very important that the
community monitor and loosely coordinate its development with the
contiguous governmental units on its boundaries. White Bear Lake
Uomprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 8
is the most developed of these and exhibits a generally diversified
development pattern similar to that of a freestanding town (which it
was until metropolitan urban development radiating out of St. Paul
reached out to its vicinity). That portion of White Bear Lake closest
to Gem Lake is planned principally for commercial development.
Vadnais Heights, which borders on the west and south portion s of
Gem Lake is predominantly developing as a low density residential
suburb. AT present,, this community has a small economic base for
development. The Vadnais-Heights-plan (based on the zoning map)
calls for commercial development along the entire south and western
portion of the City of Gem Lake. White Bear (Town)_Dn Jhe-north
may eventually be annexed by the City of White Bear .Lake. At
present, however, the Town plans an industrial district in this area.
3.10 Community Survey
A community survey was conducted by the City of Gem Lake to
gather citizen input in regards to the direction they would like to see
the City take.
Sixty-nine (69) surveys were returned and the results were tabulated.
In general, the citizens of Gem Lake were very pleased with the way
Gem Lake is now and would like to see it remain as it is. Low
density and protection of the natural environment were the major
themes of the responses.
The complete results of the community survey are found in
Appendix A.
4.0 Plan Assumptions, Goals, Problems and Issues
Beyond assessment of the existing and projected characteristics of
development in Gem Lake and vicinity, there is a need to (1) assess
the assumptions upon which the plan is to be predicated, (2)
establish basic community goals upon which the policy proposals of
the plan may rest, and (3) identify the key issues which must be
resolved if the plan is to become a reality. This chapter of the plan
presents these assumptions, goals, and issues as the key factors that
establish the basis for the plan proposals in the succeeding chapters.
4.1 Plan Assumptions
• The plan is based on the assumption that the economy of the
Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area will remain healthy and
that sub -regional population projections as established by the
Metropolitan Council will be reasonably accurate.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 9
• It is assumed that the comprehensive development plans and
physical development ordinances of the contiguous local units of
government will remain essentially as they are today.
• It is assumed that additional shopping and employment
opportunities within municipalities located within a five -mile
radius of Gem Lake will become available in reasonable
proportion to population increases.
• It is assumed that a major open space acquisition and
development plan will be completed as proposed by Ramsey
County.
• It is assumed that facilities presently estimated by the City
Engineer and/or projected will be adequate for the projected
population.
4.2
Community Goals
The following goals are established as the principal guidelines for the
physical development of Gem Lake. All policies, as presented in
later chapters of this plan document, should be considered
supplemental to these basic goals:
• The residents of Gem Lake desire to preserve and maintain a
"rustic" environment in a natural setling. Such an environment
should promote an atmosphere of quiet, relaxed living with
maximum regard to maintaining openness of the physical
environment as well as preserving trees, water areas, grass lands,
and wetlands. This will require new development in an overall
-->
� C
low -density pattern.
• The residents of Gem Lake desire to create and maintain a high
quality man-made environment. All new residential and
commercial development and auxiliary structures and signs
should be developed to high standards consistent with the good
aesthetic, architectural, and common sense. Furthermore, all
existing structures and axillaryand lands will be
'�Uildings
maintained to high standards to enhance the quality of the life in
Gem Lake.
• The residents of Gem Lake wish to contain future commer i.al
development within the community, Existing commercial
development is substantial in relation to total community
development providing more jobs than the size of the local
resident labor force. Substantial additional commercial
development would conflict with the goals of maintaining a
rustic and high quality natural environment.
• The residents of Gem Lake desire to have a low -profile
government that provides only essential public service
necessary for their health. safety and welfare This goal is based
Gomprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 10
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
accordance with the plan on the grounds that (a) there is
currently a higher ratio of commercial development to residential
development than the average (measured both in terms of acres
of land and employees), (b) at ultimate development there will be
a normal ratio of commercial to residential development, (c)
additional commercial expansion would undermine the low -
density character desired in the City, and (d) ample land for
commercial development is available in other communities in the
vicinity.
• Quality of New Construction and Maintenance of the Exi ling
.Man -Made Environment. Consistent with the goal of having a
high quality and aesthetic man-made environment, the City of
/ Gem Lake intends to vigorously insure that all new development
�i within the community is of high standards based on various
implementation controls and procedures. The City further
intends to insure high quality maintenance of existing man-made
structures based on vigorous enforcement of regulatory controls.
These controls include, but are not limited to, subdivision
: regulations, zoning regulations, housing and building code
regulations, landscape regulations and tree preservation
regulations. It is anticipated that these measures may be resisted
p by some land developers, community residents, and the business
community as exemplified by several instances of poor building
maintenance in the past. These resistances must be met,
however, so that a high quality environment can be maintained
for all residents.
• Provision of Public Utilities It is anticipated that additional
sanitary sewer facilities and the initiation of public water
distribution lines may be required as the City further develops.
These costly facilities would help to maintain the high quality
natural environment cited as one of the community goals, as well ----,,
as to meet rising water quality standards. Provision ortliese
facilities may be cited as conflicting with the desire to maintain
a low -profile government at low cost, but it will be the position
of Gem Lake that the desirability of maintaining a high quality
environment will take precedence. If these services are not
provided to the entire City, measures should be undertaken to
ensure high quality individual on -site facilities.
• Service Agreements with Coop rating Governmental Units.
Almost invariably, when one governmental unit seeks the --
provision of services from in -other governmental unit, a point of
conflict arises over the quality and cost of services. Recognizing
the desirability of serving the Gem Lake portion of the
metropolitan area adequately, it will be the position of the Gem
Lake government to secure long-term service packages in an
organized and efficient manner in cooperation with several
coordinating governmental units.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 12
Lack of Public or Semi�P11blic Qpen Space and Recreational
.Areas. There are no publicly held. open and recreational spaces
within Gem Lake at this- time. The only recreational facility
within the City is a private golf course, ItIs the desire of the City
to have thisproperty remain recreational in nature and to see it
expand to provide additional recreational opportuxuties.
.Although there amrecreational facilities.in adjacentcommunities
and. in -nearby regional recreational facilities, there maybe a need
iri the future for small_ neighborhood "parks" within. Gem Lake.
The City should also examine the establishment of bike trails.
within Gem Lake to provide for safe bicycle riding. within the
City and connections -to regionalbike paths. Bicycle paths could
be included as part o#:.the street improvement projects. Paths
could.be established .along Labore, Centerville, and Hoffman
Roads, County Road E; and within the railroad bed along the
eastern border: of Gem Lake as part of a regional: bicycle trail
system.
Ma mance of Eksideittiat L?uali _,_„ in ExiStirSg CommerciallT
Designated .Areas. The plan supported by.existing zoning calls
for. expansion of commercial land development to include. all
developable land east. -of U.S. Highway 61 some of which is
currently being usedfor residential purposes. The area possesses
.poor qualities for residential development -including heavy traffic
volumes, rail traffic and no open space. As a xesult; particular
attention should beplaced on maintaining these. residential land
:uses in a reasonably good state until such time as: eominereial
land uses replace the residential structures.
5.0 Land Use Goals and Policies
5.1 Land Use Goals
• Protect and enhance the natural environment of Gem Lake.
• Ensure that all develop--itcontributes to a clear, o dexly and.
harmonious pattern ortWib� esign..
ki..
• Reinforce thevisually.prsing, warmly distinctive and attractive
small town character of Gem Lake.
• Preserve the identity. and improve the quality and appearance of
existing residential neighborhoods:
• Guide commercial -development to be compatible with. the small
town character and natural environment of Gem Lake.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake; Mihnesota Page 13
• Provide adequate protection through land use development
policy to maintain the environmental balance between natural
and man-made physical features and insure against property loss
or deterioration of property values.
Provide safe, healthy and attractive residential environment
which offers a broad choice of housing opportunities.
5.2 General Land Development Policies
The dominant share of total land within Gem Lake should b
residential 12rol2erty at the community's ultimate developmen
is age. Residential uses will constitute approximately 60 percent
of all land in the community and approximately 85 percent of all
land that could reasonably be developed (street area, water and
wetland areas being considered undevelopable).
It is the policy of Gem Lake to encourage the prgpmderauc-e-of_
new development in the form of low density housing (0 to 1 0
dwelling upper net acre). This policy_ is advocated for the
following reasons: (a) most of the undeveloped lands within the
City he adjacent to existing low density residential development,
(b) much of the vacant land is of high natural environmental
quality (hilly, wooded, wetlands), and (c) the municipality is not
well equipped to provide the higher level of municipal services
that higher density development would require.
Based on the planned ultimate allocation of land uses. it is the
12icy of Gem Lake to make planning decisions based on
ultimate community population of approximately 600 persons
It is estimated that this threshold may be reached in 15 to 20
years. This population threshold will be utilized in planning for
community facilities and in the provision of public services. This
population level suggests that Gem Lake will be heavily
dependent on cooperating with other governmental jurisdictions
in providing certain urban services.
It is the policy of Gem Lake to contain commer ial uses within
their presently zoned areas. This policy is viewed as being
extremely important in achieving the stated goals (a) of
maintaining a high quality natural environment and of (b)
encouraging a high quality man-made environment. Existing
commercial development serves an area much larger than Gem
Lake property. Commercial development in surrounding
communities serves most of the needs of Gem Lake residents.
Since much of the commercially zoned land in the City is already
developed, future commercial expansion will be principally
through (a) conversion of residentially developed land within
presently commercially zoned areas and (b) upgrading of
existing commercial development.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 14
It is the policy of Gem Lake to specifically encourage additional
i "convenience". retail development serving residents While
substantial ommercial development exists within the City, most
fj of this development is tailored toward serving a market area
substantially larger than Gem Lake. It is the intention of the Gem
Lake municipal government to encourage those who would
S provide retail, commercial, and office facilities that would be of
more direct benefit to Gem Lake residents.
• t is the policy of Gem Lake to discourage all industrial use
conVnerbal districts. Extensive industrial development can be
easily accommodated in other portions of the Gem Lake
subregion of the metropolitan area.
It is the policy of Gem Lake to review proposed institutional
d v lopments on a case -by -case basis To the extent that
institutional land uses such as schools, hospitals, and other
institutional uses are compatible with the City goals of
maintaining a high quality natural and man-made environment,
it is possible that these would be permitted within residentially
designated portions of the community. However, for the
purposes of this plan no major institutional issues are
anticipated.
aemi=12U1IN 0- en space and to explore the expansion of gems=
} p lic open space and the acquisition of public open space At
IC f present, the only land for recreational purposes within Gem Lake
is the privately owned commercial golf course in the northeast
corner of the City, which is open to the public. It is the desire of
the City to see this property remains as a golf course and
recreational in nature. The City would like to explore the
possibility of creating a new zoning classification for the golf
course property which would allow for expansion of the golf
course and which would allow other recreational opportunities
but would not allow residential or commercial uses that would
detract from the recreational value of this property.
The City would further examine the need for neighborhood
parks or open space and the feasibility of acquiring property for
these purposes. Again, it may be helpful to the City to develop
a zoning classification to protect valuable open space areas from
development.
The City will also examine the need for,aleasibility of bike paths
within the City.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 15
• It is the policy of Gem Lake to preserve the environmental
quality of the water body callers "Gem Lake" and its attendant
wetland areas. No construction or land alternation will be
permitted within a 100-foot corridor extending back from the
high water mark of this area without a special council permit.
It is the policy of Gem Lake to encourage the maintenance of
high quali housing within the City. Recognizing that a
substantial portion of the uncommitted lands in Gem Lake are in
the interior portions of the City where the established
development character is of high quality, continuance of this
development pattern will be encouraged. A great deal of this
housing within Gem Lake has been improved. It is the intention
of the City to ensure that improvements continue and that the
high quality of housing within the City is maintained by strictly
enforcing building and design codes.
• Residential neighborhoods ad.;acent to commercial development
should be protected through physical buffering and through the
Placement of "transitional" land uses on the 12eriphe r Adjacent
buffering should be an explicit objective of site plan review and
approval. The preservation of existing natural vegetation to
serve as the buffer should be first priority. Park land may be
used as a transitional land use between single-family residential
and commercial development.
• The City will encourage the continued 21anting of trees and
1 ,preservation of existing trees to improve community appearance
The small town character and natural environment of Gem Lake
�.. depends on the continuance of natural vegetation within Gem
Lake and along its borders.
r�
The City will amend and enforce the regulations of the zoning
ordinance to improve the quality and overall appearance of new
commercial development. Perimeter landscaping and screening
of parking lots, loading areas, outdoor storage and building
mechanical units will be regarded as important components of
development. Sign control will also be critical in the
establishment of quality development. Performance standards
and land use control will be utilized to make sure that
development will be compatible with the scenic and natural
qualities of Gem Lake.
Aesthetic consideration should be addressed through sl2ecial
performance standards. sign control. appearance standard
landscap�g control vegetative screening and other appropriate
means• The character of Gem Lake is an important
consideration. Controls could be developed to preserve and
improve the aesthetics of existing and new development. At the
same time, the controls should not be so restrictive that they stifle
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 16
creativity and individuality and place an unreasonable financial
burden on the property -owner.
Discussion with adjoining communities to facilitate -cooperation
and coordination with rftand to planningin issues
should initiated. it is important that developmenE on
bordering property in other communities is compatible with the
development on the borders. of Gear Lake. Thereis a. need for
dialogue and a coordir lion of plans -with the City of White Bear
Lake, White Bear Lake Township and the City of Vadnais
Heights.
• The review of conditional uses or rezonings must„ measure
impacts on: adjacent uses; air and. water quality, traffic
generation, public safety. and health, area aesthetics and the
economic impact:
• Provide nroteet b of areas of significant vegetation masses and
Amenities. Wildlife and natural vegetation n.the City adds to the
quality of life fxt Gem Lake, They'sliould be protected from
overdevelopirient and preserved,
5.3 City Planning Area Policies
Beyond establishment of general land development policies; an
additional set. of policies has been established to more clearly
delineate the hype of.development which is to be encouraged within
the various "planning areas" identified within the municipal
boundaries of Gem Lake. These policies are listed below and are
precededby a brief discussion of existing conditions in each planning
area.
Ho ffman's Comers East. The Hoffman's Corners East planning area
includes all that portion.of Gem Lake. lying east of U.S. Highway 61.
The area contains two major auto dealers, fast foods a. dxestaurants;.
a Small convenience retail commercial center, and residential
structures. The. existing environment for residential living is
currently. of A -relatively low quality. With additional commercial
developnienfi anticipated, conditions for housing will deteriorate
further:. Someof the existing commercial development, particularly.
the "convenience" commercial, is of marginal 'quality. There are
approximately.2 to 3 acres of land available in this area for retail
development.
In response to these existing conditions, the following specific
policies for this planning .area are offered:
1. A gradual phase out of all -residential uses in this planning area
is encouraged. In the meantime, strict housing code enforcement
will be employed.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 17
2. The improvement of "convenience" commercial facilities directed
toward serving the residents of Gem Lake is encouraged.
3. Sewer and water service should be extended throughout all of
this development area as needed.
4. A cohesive, unified development plan shall be encouraged for
the existing undeveloped land.
Hoffman's Corners West This small portion of the community
(approximately 30 acres) is located in the northwest quadrant of the
intersection of County Road E and U.S. Highway 61 and includes all
area presently zoned commercially in that intersection quadrant.
Existing land use in this area includes an auto dealership, aAaixy;—
and dwelling units. This area is essentially completely developed,
except the westerly 13 acres. Commercial development west and
north of this development distric will be vigorously resisted.
Northeast DMrelonment Area. is area of the City can be roughly
described as follows: (a) all of the City lying east of Schueneman
Road and north of U.S. Highway 61, (b) the portion of the City
located northeast of Otter Lake Road, and (c) a portion of the City
located between Goose Lake Road and Schueneman Road which
generally drains into a large pond. Most of this development area
lying north of Goose Lake Road and east of Schueneman Road is
developed with only a few vacant lots remaining. Most of the vacant
land in this development area is located just south of the golf course
and west of Schueneman Road. Existing land use in this area
consists of a pond, a golf course, and undeveloped residential estate
lands.
The following policies are established to guide further development
in this portion of the City:
Low to very low density residential development (1 to 3 acre
lots) is encouraged. All residential property in this area should
be zoned R-1 or R-2.
2. Public open space is encouraged in this development area. The
present location of the Gem Lake Hills Golf Course is particularly
well suited for public open space.
3. Sewer and water facilities should be extended to this area as
needed.
4. The rustic environment of this development shall be preserved
by rezoning the golf course property to some type of open space
or recreational classification.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 18
Northwest Development Area This area comprises most of the City
located north of Goose Lake Road. At present; tfiis: area is partially
developed with medium to low costresideAtial structures. There are.
some relatively undeveloped platted lands, and several undeveloped,
lots.
The following policies are developed to guide development -.in this.
area:
1. Moderately low density residential development (one acre) is.
encouraged.
2. Sewer and water facilities should be extended to, thin area as.
needed.
Central Development Area. This is the lamest development area
within Gem Lake. It is located north of County Road E, east of
Labore Roadi south of Goose Lake load, and southwest. of the
northeast development. area. Most:o£.the uncommitted land in the
City.lies within this development:area. A developed subdivision is.
located in the southwesternportion.of the area, An additional large
amount of relatively uncommitted landsare located north of County
Road E and east of "Gene Lake." Lying principallyhorth and west
4 "Gem Lake" are residential. structures on large lots. Overall,
residential development quality in this area is very high. Lying at
the center of this development district -is Gem Lake (water body) and
its attendant. wetland areas. This area is environmentally very
attractive with a substantial amount of. native. vegetation and
wildlife. The property -just to the southeast Of the development area.
is commercial.in use. The LBD Zone district could be used to buffer
the residential areas from the commercial areas.
The following policies are proposed for-this:developxnent area:
1. Encouragement of very low deity (three acre lot Minimum)
residential development. -to maintain thw high. quality natural
environmental features of the area.
2. Use.of ,the LBD Zone district as a transitional zone between the
Very low density development and commercial development.
I Very strict:development controls adjacent to Gem Lake and its
attendant wetland areas (including grading, vegetation. removal,
and introductiQn.of-extensive impervious surfaces).
4. Strict runoff control on all lands dra; . Y-into: Gem Lake.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 19
6.0 . Transportation Plan
The preparation of the transportation component of the
Comprehensive Municipal Plan of Gem Lake is based principally on
the desire of the community to cooperate with other units of
government in obtaining a mutually high level of community
services. Recognizing that most of Gem Lake's residents conduct
most of their work, shopping, cultural and educational, and
recreational activities outside the City limits, the quality of the
transportation system outside the City is important. Therefore, the
City of Gem Lake recognizes the importance of the I-35E corridor
study and adopts its findings by reference. The transportation plan
of Gem Lake is also intended to enhance a high quality man-made
and natural environment within the City limits.
6.1 The Existing Roadway System
The most important component of the transportation system within
Gem Lake for the foreseeable future will be the street and highway
network which will accommodate both private and public motor
vehicles. The functional classification and jurisdictional responsibility
for maintaining this system is summarized in Tables 9 and 10.
6.1.1 Arterials
The most heavily traveled arterial route through the community is
U.S. Highway 61 which serves as a major artery connecting Gem
Lake with White Bear Lake and the more intensively developed
portions of the metropolitan area to the south. The facility connects
with the Interstate beltway loop (I-494, I-694) around the Twin cities
at a point approximately one mile south of the City's corporate
limits. The only other arterial within the community is County Road
E which forms part of Gem Lake's southern corporate limits. The
facility intersects with U.S. Highway 61 in the southeast portion of
Gem Lake, serves the southern portion of White Bear Lake to the
east, and connects with I-35E located approximately 1/a-mile west of
the western corporate limits of Gem Lake. This latter facility is the
only "principal" arterial near the City.
Collectors
Collector streets include Labore Road on the western corporate
boundary, Goose Lake Road located in a southwestern -northeastern
orientation near the northern corporate limits of the community, and
Otter Lake Road located in the northeastern portion of the
community.
6.1.3 Local Streets
The remaining roads within the community can be classified as local
' serving principally adjacent land uses. These local streets comprise
approximately 40 percent of the total roadway mileage within the
community.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 20
6.1.4 Jurisdiction
Ramsey County currently maintains approximately 3% of the total 5.8
miles ofxoadway within Gem Lake (see Table 10) including.rnostQf
the arterial, all of the collector{ and over half of local street mileage,
Gem Lake maintains orily0.8 miles (approximately 14 percent).of the
total mileage. The remairung roads: are under state .or private -
jurisdiction.
6.1.5 Public Transit
The City is presently served by an MTC bus route encompassing the
commercially oriented southeastern corner of. the community {via
County Road. a and U.S. Highway 61}. There are no major fixed.
transit facilities either existing or planned in Gem Lake. It is the goal
-of the City to maintain a "rustic" environment in a.natural. settling.
Therefore, residential development will be low density and will.not
necessitate substantial increases in bus services. However; :the City
may want to explore alternative transit programs.
6A.6. Airports
There are:no airports, proposed airport.sites,search-areas,.or other
related facilities located in. Gem Lake. The City is served. by. the -
Minneapolis -St. Paul international .Airport and the. St. Paul
Downtown Airport. The airports have no direct impact on the City
{, pf Gem Lake, andany development'in.Gem Lake will have no impact
the regional aviation system.
6.1.7 Roadway Changes
Ramsey County has plans to. relocate Otter -`Lake. Road so 'that it
connects directly with County Road F.in White Bear sake.
Another potential change in the Gem Lake.xoadway system may
involve.Schueneman Road at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61
Currently, there is. only-southbound access to.U.S. Highway.61 from
the portion of Schueneman Road north of US..Highway .61. In
addition, there is only access to northbound Schueneman Road from
southbound US. Highway 61. Possible options include putting a
cul-de-sac dead-end at the end of the Schueneman Road at U.S.
Highway 61, or designating Schueneman Road as one-way going
north.
6.2 Transportation Policies
The following policies **have been established by the municipal
government of Gem Lake to enhance the quality of transportation for
citizens of the .community:
Gem*Lake Supparts,the stridy of an im roved..connection of Otter
Lake Road and CouniyRjo�ad_P The. Northeast Area
Transportation Study under the sponsorship of the Metropolitan
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota. Page 21
Table 6
Inventory of Roads, Streets, and Highways
Name of Facility
Functional Classification
Jurisdiction
Length (miles)
U.S. 61
Minor Arterial
State
0.3
County Road E *
Minor Arterial
Ramsey County
0.9
Goose rLaker Road
Collector
Ramsey County
1.4
Labore Road
Collector
Ramsey County
0:6
Otter Lake Road
Collector
Ramsey County
02
S�haunemar► Road (N.)
Local
Ramsey County
0.8
Sehauneman Road (S.)
Local
Ramsey County
0.3
Hoffman Road
Local
Ramsey County
0.2
TegSierrRoadr
Local
Gem Lake
0.1
Haven Road.
Local
Gem Lake
0.1
Big Fox Road
Local
Gera Lake
0:4
Little Pox Lane
Local.
Gem Lake
0.2
(Easement connecting to
County Road:E)
Local
Private
0:3
TOTAL
—
5.8
* East of TH 61. this facility. is. State Highway 244.
Table 7
Summary of Existing Road Mileage by Jurisdiction
:and Functional Classification
Jurisdiction
Minor Arterial
Collector
Local
Total
Percent of Total
State
0.3
---
--
0.3
(5)
Ramsey County
0.9
2.2
1.3
4.4
(76)
Gem Lake
--
0.8
0.8
(14)
Private
-
---
0.3
0.3
(5)
Total
1.2
2.2
2.4
5.8
(100)
SEH No. A-GEMLK9501
Council and local communities including -Gem Lake has
identified the need to establish. a.series,.of-continuous-arlex and
collector routes serving the northeastern portion of the
metropolitan area (see :Figure 9). The relocation of Otter Lake
Road connecting directly with County Road F in neighboring
White tear Lake might further this objective. However, Gem
Lake is.: aware that such wconnmtor between Otter Lake Road
and Country Road would tend to increase traffic sufficiently to
jeopardize Gem Lake's objective of maintaining a "rustic"
environment artd therefore, should take steps .to minimize the
impact of such a development on the rest of Gem Lake's road
system.
F h r dmjmment of private roads-serying more than one.
pmper,ty will be encouraged. The provision of private roads is
consistent with the Qty's desire to maintain a low profile.
government.. However, over the long-term this .policy could be.
detrimental to ,the City if a high level:6f construction standards
is not maintained. The City should monitor the development of
private roads to ensure that high standards are met.
•Accommodating through -traffic on new streqt5will b
discouraged. The:basic arterial and collector road systern.of Gem
Lake has been established. Therefore; future streets should be
designed too channel local traffic onto County Road E, Labore
Road and Goose Lake --Road.
• All_ -future streets ou d be designed to discourage additional
ur ce water, runoff irtto "Gent Lake" and its attendant
wetlands. Recognizing that Gem Lake and its attendant
wetlands do not have: a natural .outlet, additional storm runoff
created by.- ft. imperdio" surfaces of. streets into this basin
should.be discouraged.
• Access to tarcels letween U S Highway 61 Schu'eneman Raa
"and county Road E should be from Schmeneman Road
While the of Gem Lake has ,only limited need fpr public
transit service due tQ planned, low den.sftv development,_ it will
at�e corate with_ gdjacent communities to secure improved bus
service as ,needed along its minor arterial street system., Bus
service in other areas of the City will be.discouraged.consistent
with its planned low density and.de.sired "rustic" environment:.
m L fficially recognizesthat v m u . ffecti
navi f' nalir sl2acewithin -the c8m_rn1Lnijy iubject t
Minnesota a an rttnen_tof Tra_n ortation. Aeronautics Division.
Regul hQns. The community will therefore routinely consider
such regulations as part of the development review-proce4s.
• Ili Ci1Y of Gem Lake will eXU�lternative transit services
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 22
Highway 61. Options to explore. will include designating
Schueneman Road as a. one-way norofttind street, and creating
a dead-end with a cul-de-sac at
61.. the intersection of U.S. Highway.
•Encourao hiking/biking n Burlington
along the eastern of- theity, Work with .adjacent
communities and provide access to ttails.
7.0 Sanitary Sewer Plan
Centralized sanitary seiner facilities currently Serve ply the
Hoffman's comer area of the community, Schueneman Road from
County Road E to Highway 61, and a short :segment of Schiteneman
Road north. of U.S. Highway 61.*(see Figure ). In addition, the
church at the corner of Counter Road E and Labore Road is provided
sanitary sewer service from .the City of Vadnais Heights. The Census
of Population and Housingg indicates that there were 149 housing.
units in Gem Lake in 11990. Twenty-five (25) of those housing its
-.were connected to public sewer, while 124 housing units had
individual on -site septic systems. Most businesses in the community
.(23 in 1990) are on public sewer. The 1990 census shows:
employment: to be at 537 employees. The approximate sewered
population in 19% was 55=60, and the approximate severed
employment was 500.
A Sanitary Sewer Comprehensive Plan was developed for. the City.
in 1992. The City has been divided . into. eight (8) sanitary sewer
districts. The intercommunity connection. is or will be with Vadnais
Heights for the southeast, south, south central, southwest and
northwest districts. Tha.cortnection for the.northeast, east and east
central districts is the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission
(MWCC) belt line. interceptor. The.. existing centralized sanitary
sewer .facilities are.. located* in the south (west of U.S, Highway 61,
along County Road E), southeast (in Hoffman's corner area east of
U.S..Highway 61 on.both:sides of County Road E) and the east (along
Schueneman: Road, north of U;S.*Highway 61) districts.
Figure illustrates.possible extensions to the sanitary sewer
system of Gem Lake. Any expansions 'to the system would be
connected to either the Vadnais Heights system or the MWCC belt
line interceptor. The areas slated for possible.. expansions include
Schueneman Road 'and Goose Lake Road -in the. northeast district;
LaBore Road, Goose. Lake Road and Little Fox Lane in the northwest
district; Big*Fox Road, LaBore Road and County Road E in the
southwest district; U$: Highway .61 in the. south district; and
extensions to residential property located near the body of water
known as Gem Lake in the south central district. The daily flow of
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 23
.the existing connections to the public sys€em .is .0301 xnillion gallons
per day or 11 million gallons per year. With the future possible
extensions, 'the ultimate daily flow would be .1658 million gallons
per day or 60.5 million gallons per year.
The City :of :Gem Lake has enacted orcUnance$ which regulate
individual sewage :treatment systems (Ordinance 46) and the
operation of the municipal sanitary sewer system (Or(*ance .64).
Ordiinance 46 is. designed to protect and promote the *health, safety
and general welfare of the people of Gem .Lake by regulating.:seepage
discharges and the location, installation; alternation.; operation and
maintenance and monitoring of all individual sewage. -treatment
systems (ISTSs). Individual sewage treatment systems must be.
installed in accordance to Chapter 7080 of the Minnesota Rules.. The
ISTSs shall be designed. to receive all sewage fromthe dwelling{s),
building(s), or other establishment(s) served by the system, indluding
laundry waste and basement floor drainage. Surface, roof and
foundation drainage and. other storm water shall not be allowed to
enter any part. of the system. Not. more than one dwelling,
commercial, business, institutional, or industrial unit shall l;e
connected. to the sarne-15M, :unless such multiple connection was
specified in the application -submitted and in -the permit issued for
the. system. No ISTSs shall. be installed or renovated on Iands to
which public sewer service is currently available, without. a system
permit Within the Urban Service AAtea, as identified 1n a
Metropolitan Council. approved a comprehensive sewer plan,
developers shall locate ISTSs to acl�ieye maximum economic
feasibility of connection to the public sewer system,. consistent with
the other provisi:Qns of this ordinance.
No preliminary plat shall be approved by the City of. Gem Lake City
Council, unless the administrator makes a favorable
recommendation. -regarding the ability of each lot to accommodate a
satisfactory ISTS. A system permit, obtained from the administrator,
is required for any installation 9r renovation of an ISTS; No building
permit for any building including the installation or -renovation of an
ISTS shall be issued until a system permit for the involved facility has
been approved..
The City of Gem Lake. has instituted an inspection program for IS'ISs:
The initial inspection is to determine if installation or renoyation has
been accomplished. in. compliance with Chapter 7080 of the
Minnesota Rules and with the Gem Lkke Individual Sewage
Treatment System Ordinance... The administrator shall inspect any
individual ISTSs when a written complaint signed by two residents
of the -City of Gem Lake is.ie.wived. It is the responsibility -of the
owner.of any premises using.,anISTS; -Or which a permit has been
issued :to provide for the periodic maintenance by A .qualified
.pumper -hauler: Reports of the maintenance.should be submitted to
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 24
,the administrator. It is the. duty of the administrator' to create,
update and maintain. an accurate inventory of each ISTS-for -hich.
permits have been issued within the. City of .Gem Lake. The
inventory should .include location, system description, renovation
description and maintenance reports. The: administrator-Ynay inspect
any systern:he deems necessary. as a result of the reporting program.
The City, 4t cost to the land owner, has each and every ISTS
inspected every even year: Any system which..fails the hiq)ection
must be renovated or replaced.
Ordinance 64 is designed to regulate the operation of the municipal
sanitary sewer system. The .ordinance contains regulations .that
include the. following:
• Regulating connections to be made to the municipal sanitary
System:
■ Establishing regulations as to type.and kinds of waste that may
be disposed of in -the:municipal sanitary sewer system.
• Prohibiting the discharge of any type or kind of surface waters
into the municipal sanitary sewer system.
• Prescribing: rates and charges for sewage disposal services:.
Providing for the issuance of permits for and supervision of all
connections to the municipal sanitary sewer system.
• Prescribing certain materials and methods to be used for said
connections.
• .Providiftig for licensing of sewer contractors.
• .Prescribing penalties for the violation of the. provisions of this
ordinance.
The timing of the possOle.expansions would depend. on funding and
need. The first priority, would be to connect all coznrnercial
establishments to public sanitary sewer. A second priority would be
properties where.sail or-topograpWc conditions make the installation
of an ISTS difficult.
7.1 Goals and Policies
7.1.1 Goals
• Maintain the high quality natural environment.
• Meet.water quality standards.
Provide a sanitary sewer system that is cost-efficient to the City
and which encourages a fiscally responsible development
pattern.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 25
7.1.2 . Policies
• It is the policy of the City to extend sewer mains as needed as
shown in Figure . First priority shall be commercial
establishments. Second priority is areas where soil or
topographic conditions limit effectiveness of on -site sewage
disposal systems.
• On -site sewage disposal systems will not be allowed where there
exists service limitations such as wetness, low soil percolation
tests and other unfavorable soil conditions.
• Further written working agreements with Vadnais Heights and
MWCC will be sought as necessary to coordinate required
extension of sewage service to their systems.
• Appropriate on -site disposal regulations will continue to be
enforced in those areas not served by the centralized sanitary
sewer system. Strictly enforce Minnesota Department of Health
and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards for
installation of ISTSs.
• Continue annual inspection program of all individual sewage
treatment systems.
• Minimize water pollution from on -site treatment systems.
• Meet or exceed all applicable state or federal requirements for
sewage effluent.
• The City will encourage that sanitary sewer and water system
extensions generally occur in tandem. Water lines should not be
extended by themselves to serve a neighborhood of failing septic
systems.
• The City will require that wastewater generation served by ISTSs
connect to the public system within one year of the time service
is made available.
• Develop a capital improvements program, which includes sewer
system improvements.
• Require minimum lot sizes adequate to provide for all expected
improvements to ISTSs and for the installation of two ISTSs in
order to insure space for an alternate system or system expansion
in case of inadequacy or failure.
• Establish a continuing education program on the function and
maintenance of ISTSs.
• Seek outside funding for programs to locate and upgrade
substandard wells and ISTSs.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 26
8.0 Water Supply Plan
8.1 Water Supply SysWrh
At present, there is no citywide public water distribution system
within Gem Lake. Tousley Ford, in. the Hoffman's Corners West area
Of the. City, receives their water supply from the Vadnais Heights
water :distribution system. All other properties * Gem Lake,
residential and non-residential, obtain their water supply via private
wells.
The City has a number of options with regard to j'ts water supply.
The first. would be *to continue to rely on private wells. A second
option would be to'purchase water -from the Vadnais Heights and
White Bear Lake water distribution systems for all properties within
.Gem Lake. Another option would be to purchase water for just the
commercial properties.
Connecting to an exi9ting municipal system would address a number
of potential problems. Water quality would be ertihanced by
connecting to &public system that includes water treatment facilities...
'With private wells, there * the potential of contamination and of the
well going dry.
.There are some steps that the City -should undertake if it continues
to primarily rely on private wells fpr:its water supply. A program
should be set up: to requirepeciodic testing of water from -every well
in the City to determine its quality. This program should inrrlude.
-.steps to take,:should.a negative sample be found.
An educational program could be set up to promote water
conservation #teasures. within the City of Gem Lake. Although each
residence and business has its own private well, 1t would be
beneficial to the community to have some type of water conservation
programin.order to. maximize ihe.groundwater supply. It would be
difficult for the City to impose water conservation regulations on.
properties with private wells.. However, an educational program can
recommend 'water conservation measures which a property owner
can impose oft *oneself. The City could develop a newsletter or
handbook that would describe:and recommendwater savingdevices
and appliances (i.e., how to cut down on water use, the. best and.
worst times to use water outdoors, etc,). The educational program
should emphasize the value and importance of conserving water,
regardless if you are on a private well or not.
An emergency preparedness/contingency plan should alsb be
consideredby the City. Again, although the City of Gem Lake does
not have a public water supply, it may be inthe:City'sbest interest
to be prepared incase.of an emergency.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLIE95o.1.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 27
The City should make arrangements with the adjacent neighboring
communities to obtain water frgn.them for its citizens in case the
groundwater supply ever becomes contaminated. The City should
also have a list of contacts available .in case of an emergency. It
Would also be helpful to make available to. residents, steps that
should betaken in case of contami0ation to an individual's water
supply.
8.2 Water Supply Policies
The following policies have been established by the municipal
government of Gem Lake with regard to the water.5upply*for the
citizens and businesses of the community:
• Explore the possibility of developing a centralized water
distribution system within Gem Lake. The system might either.
be developed based on a well supply within Gem Lake or by
attachments to either the Vadnais Heights or White Bear .Lake
system or both. ' /' '�
• Water service should be`extended at the same time in the same
priorities as the sanitary:sewerage service in order to minimize
street reconstruction and traffic disruption.
• Explom the possibility of connecting only the commercial area of
Gem Lake to the Vadnais-Heights or W. Bear Lake water
distribution. systems.
■ Consider adopting a mandatory water-quanty testing program
for private wells.
• Develop an educational program promoting water conservation
measures.within the City of Gem take.
• Develop an emergency preparedness plan with regard to the
water. supply.
9.0 Housing Plan
9.1 Housing Supply
The housing supply in Geih Lake is ratifier homogeneous, The 1990
census of .the population showed that. there were 143 housing units
within Gem .Lake with 1.40 -of those units being single-family
detached. Of those single-family detached housing units, 130 of
them were.owner occupied, with 10 units being renter Qccupied.
There were also. two- muitiple4amily dwelling units within Gem
Lake. Both of these units were duplexes. -
The 1990 census showed that only three.housing units were:vacant
at the time: One was for sale, one: was for seasonal recreational or
occasional use and the third -was listed as. other vacant. One had
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 28
been vacant for less fto two months, one for twd to six months and
the third for six or more months.
Thle-condition of housing within Gem Lake is generally good. The
median year in which. housing was built is.1966. A majoaty of the
housing within the community was built between 1950 and. 1980.
Thirty (30) units were built- prior to 1950, while 25: have been built
since 1980.
The median value of housing in Gem. Lake in 1990 was $97,100. A
majority of the housing was between $60,000 and $125,000. Only five,
housing units were valued less. than $60,000, while there were 33
housing units valued over $125,000 with 1.1 units between $250,000
and $300,000 and six over $300,00.0. The median. -gross rent: in Gem
Lake in 1990 was $575 a month. There were only. three units being
rented -that were less than $500 a month.
A majority'.of the housing units within Gem Lake are in. -the: three
bedroom:or more category with 71 three bedroom units and 41-four
bedroom units. There were 12 units with five or. more bedrooms,
and only 18 two bedroom units and:7 one bedroom units. .Of the.
.renter -occupied units, four are listed as three bedroom units, two as.
orie bedroom units and one.2 bedroom unit.
The 1990 census shows that there are 439 persons. and 140
households in Gem Lake, for an average of 3.14 persons per
household. Avast majority of the households in Gem Lake. contain
one to four persons, with 45 two -person households; 30 four -person
households, 21. three -person households and 19 one -person
:households. There are only 16-five-person households, 7 six -person
households and two households with more than..severi. persons.
The median household income in 1990 for Gem Lake is $52,091.
Median family income was $59,224, and median non-familyir me
was $20,000. There were 80 households with an income over.$50,000
per year. The largest categories were $50,000 to $60,00.0 with 1$
households, $60,000 to $75,000 with 21 households, and $75,000 to
$1001*000 with 26 households. There were also 10 households with an
income of $150,000 or more, and 22 households with an income of
less than $20,000.
The age of tha.h6usehold head is family well distributed according
to. the 1990 census. There are 26 household heads between the ages.
Of 25.and, 34, 35 between the ages of 35 and 44, 32 between the ages.
of 45 and 54, 27between thee ages of.55 and 64. and 17 between the
ages of 65 ,and 74. There are only three household heads younger
than. 25 and -only two older than 75.
The housing supply in Gem Lake is limited. There are not many
.a homes that re vacant .or.avga. able.. Almost all -of the homes are
single-family homes. There are only a couple. ofmultiple -family
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.0.0
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 29
dwellings, and these are only two-family homes: There does not
appear to be a great. demand for housing, Although. there area great.
number of employment opportunities. within. Gem Lake, few
residents are. -also employed in Gern Lake.. Of the.69 responses to. a
1995 residential community survey, oniy seven stated that. they or
someone in their family were employed. in Gem. Lake.
Overcrowding is not a problem. The average number of ..persons in:
a household I just over three, with a majority of the household units:
being two to four persons. A -majority .of households have three or
more bedroocris, thus overcroWdi ig world not be a problem.
Cost of housing also is riott excessive in Gem Lake as a. percentage of
household income. The 1990 census shows that the median monthly
owner cost is $878 with a mortgage. and $264 without a mortgage.
Sixty-eight percent (681/9) of the households spend less than 30
percent of their income on housing costs. Twen". even percent
(27%) spent more than 35 percent. on housing costs. Median rent for
non -owner occupled.househoids is $575. All renters spent less than
25 percent of their. iricome on rent:.
There is not a lot of diversity in housing. Most of the housing units
are single-family: There are no multiple -family buildings (other than
a duplex), no low income housing, and no elderly housing within .the
City. There would be more diverse.)housiitg options within the
neighboring communities *of Vadnais: Heights, White Bear Lake, and
White Bear Township..
The 1995 residential community survey results indicated that 97
percent of the respondents did not wantio see -a change in the City's
existing4ow density residential. development. A majority of the City
is zoned R :1 which requires a minimum. lot area of three acres.
Multiple -family dwelling is not allowed.in this zone. district. The R 2
zone district also allows only single-family dwellings and requites .a
minimum lot area of one acre. Both the R-3 and. R-4 zone districts
require a minimum lot area of .36000 square feet. and allow two-
family dwelling units as °only with a special use :permit. Multiple -
family dwellings are not:aRawed in any of the zoning districts.
The existing housing in the R-1 zone district. in the southwest corner
of the City has a density slighfil4y. higher than the required one
dwelling unit per three acres. Some of the dwelling units. iin the
central portion of the R-1 zone district around. Gem Lake (water
body) have densities less than the required one dwelling unit per
three acres. There is a substantial amount of undeveloped land in
ihe',R-1 zone district. However, ownership of the land may.limit its
availability.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 30
L",
Most of the existing dwelling units in the R-2 zone district are very
close to the required minimum lot area of one acre. There is very
little available R-2 zoned property.
Most of the existing lots in the R-3 and R-4 zone district meet or
exceed the minimum lot size requirements. However, they are not
large enough to be split into two buildable lots. There is very little
R-4 zoned property available. There is a large amount of R-3 zoned
land that is not developed residentially, but a substantial amount of
it is covered by the golf course. The ownership of the remaining
undeveloped R-3 land may limit its availability.
Over 85 percent of the residents that responded to the 1995
comments survey did not want to see other types of dwelling located
in Gem Lake, and those who wanted a different type of dwelling
only wanted to see one -level town homes.
The 1990 census showed that over 50 percent of the head of
households within the City were 45 years or older. With the
population of Gem Lake aging, there may be a need for different
types of dwelling for the elderly.
9.2 Housing Goals and Policies
The following goals and policies have been established by the
municipal government of Gem Lake with regard to housing:
• Continue to encourage low density residential development
within the City.
• Consider participating in the Metropolitan Livable Communities
program.
• Encourage the development of life -cycle housing opportunities.
• Encourage the rehabilitation and continuous maintenance of
existing housing.
• Preserve the identity and improve the quality and appearance of
existing residential neighborhoods.
• Ensure that all new housing, including housing affordable to low
and moderate income families and individuals adhere to the
highest community design, planning and construction standards.
• Encourage the preservation of owner -type housing for low and
moderate income households.
• Protect residential neighborhoods adjacent to commercial
developments through physical and/or vegetative buffering and
through the placement of "transitional" land uses on the
periphery. Adequate buffering should be an explicit objective of
site plan review and approval.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 31
Explore local fiscal initiatives for housing, including but not
limited to, the use of housing revenue bonds, tax increment
financing, and Community Development Block Grants.
• Consider alternative transportation services that relate to life -
cycle housing opportunities.
• Consider developing Planned Unit Development and Cluster
Development Standards that would allow more creativity and
flexibility with regard to life -cycle housing opportunities.
10.0 Storm Drainage Plan
These is no storm drainage system within Gem Lake other than
ditches alongside roads within the corporate limits. Two portions of
the City of Gem Lake drain internally into depressions with the —
surface outlet. The most critical of these is the basin draining into
Gem Lake and its attendant wetlands.
10.1 Storm Drainage Policies
Attempt to restrict or minimize additional storm water runoff
into the Gem Lake Basin in order to protect the water quality of
this area. Particular attention should be placed on water
retention to settle out undesirable sediments and to minimize
siltation. Impervious areas should be restricted within 100 feet
of Gem Lake (water body) and its wetlands.
• Encourage surface water drainage into the north pond,
recognizing that this pond has minimal ecosystem value and
may be more attractive if higher water levels are maintained.
Seek cooperative agreements with White Bear Township, White
Bear Lake, and Vadnais Heights for surface drainage easements
as needed.
� v
i • Require storm sewer connections, where available, on new road
`tv1
construction as an alternative to ditches.
• Require storm sewerage in all commercially developed portions
of the community.
• Notify residents of the EPA/MPCA 40 percent reduction goal,
the best management practices to achieve this goal, and available
resources if additional information is needed.
• Adopt the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP) design
standards for new stormwater ponds that will reduce the
contaminant loadings from surface water runoff.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 32
• Adopt the urban best management practices of the MPCA (as
presented in its manual titled "Protecting Water. Quality in Urban
Areas'') to be followed for all new or redeveloped. land
development:
0 Continue. to administer standards. and setback. requirements to
protect Gem. Lake: (water body) and its:shi inland. A 100 foot
.structure and impervious surface setback is required by the
existing ordinance: A 100 foot septic systemsetback is also.
recommended. It is also recommended that a shoreland impact
zone be developed; litfiitulg vegetation.removal and fill. The tree
ordinance does presently prohibif-cutimg. trees. within 75 feet of
Gem Lake (water body).
• Require drainage plan for any impervious areas constructed or
improved within .the . City of Gem Lake.
11.0 Community Facilities and Services Plan
The Community '$eryices and Facilities Component. of ihe
Comprehensive Municipal Plan is based principally .on goal 4 that
establishes desire of the residents of the community to maintain
'lowprotile" government providing a minimum of urban.services
.consistent with the needs .of a low density "rustic" communii�., and
goal.number,5--whirh identifies the community's desire#o establish.
long-term service ommitments with other governmental units in the:
area. It woul undesirable to maintain a separate. municipal
commitment for any community services given the relatively small
ultimate population planned for the community..
11.1 Police.
Currently, the City receives police protection on -a contractual. basis.
from. Ramsey -County. As the population of Gem Lake -increases,
there will be need* to increase police surveillance_ Poli:` " The. City
of Gem Lake will. seek to combine with other. goverrunerltal unitsdn
the area in developing a.high quality sub -regional police foixe.,
11.2 Fire, Protection
TheCity.;of-Gem-Lakecurfently contracts-witli the City of White. Bear.
Lake for fire protection services being eharged as a base rate plus a
fixed charge per fire occurrence. Policy: The City will seek a longer
term commitment by -an association either with Vadnais Heights or.
White Bear Lake: Fire protection services might be charged on an
annual basis based on reasonable criteria such as assessed. property.
valuation.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 33
11.3 Road Maintenance
Only 0.8 miles of roads are maintained under Gem Lake jurisdiction.
There are an additional 0.3 miles of semi-public streets which are
privately maintained. The City will continue to contract for road
maintenance.
11.4 Professional Assistance
There are no full-time employees of the City of Gem Lake. All
professional assistance including lawyers, engineers and planners
are retained on a contractual basis. Policies: (a) A part-time and
ultimately a full-time City official will be employed to handle day to
day civic affairs. (b) Legal, engineering and planning assistance will
continue to be on a retainer basis.
11.5 Municipal Building
There is no public owned or leased space where community records
are maintained and no public location where a resident may call for
assistance. Policy: The City shall continue to operate without a
central office and will continue to hold public meetings at Tousley
Ford.
11.6 Public Schools
All primary and secondary school students who are Gem Lake
residents are bused to White Bear Lake. The ultimate population
holding capacity of Gem Lake will not in itself generate a sufficient
school age population to justify a grade school within the corporate
limits.
11.7 Health Facilities
At present, there are no hospital facilities in Gem Lake or in any of
the contiguous municipalities adjoining it. The closest hospital
facility is in the central area of St. Paul, approximately seven miles
distance. Policy: Gem Lake should cooperate with other local
governments in encouraging a hospital facility within a more
convenient proximity.
11.8 Outdoor Recreational Facilities
There are no publicly held open spaces or recreational facilities
within the community. All existing outdoor recreation with the
community must currently occur on (a) privately developed lands,
(b) vacant lots or (c) the streets. Policies: (a) Consistent with the
intention to acquire public open space, a neighborhood oriented park
will be provided as the community develops. This might include a
picnic ground, a ball field, tennis courts and playground facilities.
(b) The first preference for a community park shall be in the
northeast section of the community. (c) The community will
continue to rely on Ramsey County for development of larger
natural resource based recreational facilities. (d) The City will
uomprenensive Fllan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 34
12.0
12.1
explore bicycle trail options and in providing access to regional trails.
(e) The City will consider rezoning the golf course to a recreational
based zoning district to ensure that remains recreational in nature.
Plan Implementation
The goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan are designed to
aid City staff, the Planning Commission and the City Council in
making sound decisions that shape the future development of the
City of Gem Lake and reflect the wants and needs of its citizens.
Following are a number of implementation strategies that may be
used to reach the goals and policies of this Plan.
Zoning Ordinance
The major purpose of zoning is to ensure that new development in
a community meets a set of consistent local quality standards
designed to minimize incompatible land uses.
The City should consider the following actions regarding the Gem
Lake Zoning Regulations:
• The development of a Recreational Zone District to be applied to
the golf course property. The new district should allow for the
present use and be expanded to allow other similar recreational
uses. Residential and commercial activities should be prohibited.
The district should include conditional use provisions to allow a
case -by -case review of proposed projects. It should also include
landscaping and buffer requirements.
• Residential areas currently zoned R-3 and R-4 in the northeast
portion of the City should be examined to determine if their
current classification reflects the goals of the community to
maintain very low density residential development or if the land
should be rezoned R-1 or R-2.
• Develop more complete submission requirements for
development proposals including special use permits and sign
permits, and formalize the review process. Require review by
the Planning Commission and including the following in the
submission requirements: , ;
Site Plan .1
- Landscaping Plan j
Tree Preservation Plan
Erosion Control and Runoff Plan
Description of Project
Future Expansion Plans
Impacts on Adjacent Properties
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 35
• DeVelbp-criteriafor land use decisions by Planning Commission
.and City Council.
VV46n reviewing special uses and.rezoning applications; impacts on
`the-fpllow.ing should be reviewed and measured:
• Adjacent -Uses
Air and Water Quality
• Traffic Generation
■ Public Safety and Health
Area .Aesthetics
4. Economic Impact.on Area
The following criteria for decisions should be included iri.the zordA
ordinance.
For Rezoning (zone district.map amendment):
a. TheprQposed zoning shallbe.consistent with the Comprehensive.
Land UsePlan adopted -by the City if existing. Amendments to
the zone district inap should. be recommended. for approval only
upon the.finding. by the Planning Commission that all of the
.following conditions Odst:
A mistake. has been made in the original zoning which was
inconsistent with the comprehensive or Land Use Plan which
should now be corrected along with the zoning or
substantial changes have occurred in the community since
the adoption of the comprehensive or Land Use Plan, which
should result in the plan(s) and the zoning being amended.
• There shall exist a clear public need for: a benefit. from
additional zoning of the type proposed which shall be above
and beyond any benefit or convenience to the. land Qym.. M.
Beyond a public need. being evident, there shall:be a showing
that the public interest wox4d:be best. served by rezoning the
Property in question rather than other property iri the
community.
• 1n the case of down toning; which is the. changing of a zone
distract from a higher or more intensive use to a.loker or less
intensive use; the proposed zoning shall allow the:property
owner a reasonable use of his property under the terms of
this ordinance, as well as serve the public interest.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 36
For Variances: A variance may be granted only upon finding all of
the following:
• The proposed use is reasonable.
• It would be unreasonable to require conforming to the ordinance.
• The difficulty of conforming to the ordinance is due to
circumstances unique to the property.
• The problem must be one not created by the landowner.
• The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of
the locality.
For Conditional Uses:
• The use conforms to the Land Use or Comprehensive Plan of the
City.
• The use is compatible with the existing neighborhood.
• The use will not impede the normal and orderly development
and improvement in the surrounding area of uses permitted by
right in the zone district.
• The location and character of the proposed use is considered to
be consistent with a desirable pattern of development for the
area.
•� Develop more specific criteria to protect the water body of Gem
Lake. This could include setback requirements, impact zones
and vegetation removal regulations.
12.2 Other Ordinances
Other ordinances can also be created or updated to meet the needs
of the community.
• Landscaping requirements for individual properties (especially
commercial properties) and for the boundaries of the City should
;\ be developed to maintain the aesthetic quality of Gem Lake.
YThese regulations should include requirements and criteria for a
site plan.
• Tree preservation regulations should also be created and
strengthened.
• The sign ordinance should be examined to determine its
effectiveness. Tighter criteria might be necessary to ensure that
the signs in the community reflects its character.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 37
• The need for *an architectural design ordinance should be
explored.
Planned unit development or cluster development ordinance.
The City should consider adopting as.a standalone ordinance or
as part of the:2oning ordinances; provisions regulating planned
unit or cluster developments.- The districts to contain these types
of developments should tie. identified and the. types of uses
allowed, .the. performance standards required and the density
allowed should be determined.
12.3 Capital Improyement Plan
I order to guide -long-term. expenditures for costly public facilities
within the City, it is-ni nportant to adopt a Capital Improvement Plan
-(CIP) to guide the municipal budget. A CIP should consider a
varlet r-: of time frames.
r 1 year.improvemeritplan to be updated annually.,
• 5 year plan to coordinate with other governmental units,
10 to 20 year plan to establish rough estimate of future capital
costs.
The CIP ought to..include costs for the following types of facilities
and the specific locations within the commurtywhere these facilities
are to be provided:
• Roadway improvements
Utility systems (sanitary sewer, water mains; storm sewer)
• Open spaces to be acquired and/or developed
• Other public facilities.
Comprehensive Plan A-GEMLK9501.00
Gem Lake, Minnesota Page 38
Appendix A
Results of Community Survey
CITY OF GEM LAKE
1995 CoMMUNTTY SURVEY
COMPREHENSIVE LONG-RANGE P%AN
The Gem Lake Planning .Commission is now in the process. of updating the long-range Comprehensive Municipal
Plan for the City. As a part of the process, they must project where the. City will be in,the next S, 10 and. i S..years: and how
it will arrive there. The results of this community survey will be used by the Planning .Commission to assist them in. guiding M
the planning process. Your input is:important. Please answer all questions that you can and that apply to you.
COMMUNITY PLAN AND GOALS
5 of the basic goals of Gem Lake as expressed in the current Comprehensive Municipal Plan are. sho«n.below.
d indicate your suggestions for revisions to the Plan -
please take a moment to review these goals an
1, The: current Plan calls for preservation of a "rustic". environment in a natural setting. by maintaining low-densin-
residential development.. Should this be changed and how? [.01:Q.0%] No Answer
[ 67 ! 97.1%.1 Don't Change [ 2 ! :2.9% ]Change
YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S.):
1- Concept of density should be changed to..protect.open spaces.
2. Maintain natural settings.
2. The current Plan coils for creation and maintenance of a high quality man; -mane environment by developing .high
standards for construction quality and encouraging maintenance on existing structures. Should this he. changed and.
how? ° 010.0% No.Answer
[ 66195.7% ]Don't Change [ 314.5 j Change [: ]
YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S):
L Instead of maintenance, try code compliance like St, Louis Park..
2. Improve residential maintenance;
3. Maintain high quality and.fewer homes.
3. The current Plan calls for containing future commercial development in the City withxin the Highway 61 /County
Road E areas of the City currently zoned for business:. `Should this be. changed: and how?
!
[ 60 ! $7.0%.]Don't Change l g ! 13A0 % ]Change. ( 0.0 % a ] No Answer
YOUR -RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S):
1. Sign Ordinance enforcement:
2. Add landscaping requirements to improve commercial development,
3. Try to getzooperation from Vadnais Heights,
4. Eliminate commercial zoning and change to residential.
a. Maintain residential community.
6. Preserve rustic atmosphere..
7. No commercial development on Otter Lake/Scheuneman Roads.
9. Reduce traffic.
9.. Discourage high tragic business.
4. The current Plan calls for providing a low -profile government that provides only essential services necessary for
the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the community. Should this:be changed -and how?
[ 654 91.3%.1 Don't Change 11./ 1.4% ] Change [ 5 ! 7.31/6.1 No Answer
YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S).
1. Is it time to hire full time professional staff?
2. snow plowing -is excellent.
3- Maintain low goven nrent.profile.
4: Add .part. time: professional. planner.
5, The current Plan calls for cooperation. with adjacent communities .to achieve compatibleland development' and
.public service. patterns. Should this be changed and how?
[ 59185.5% ] D On't Change [.7110.1% 1 Change { 3 ! 4.9%] No Answer
YOUR RECOMMENDED CHANGE(S)-
1. More proactive cooperation.
2: Is VadAais Heights aware:of non -cooperation?
3. Does Vadnais Heights respect GemLake's plans?
4. Gem Lake -should be more aggressive! x
5. No mass transit exists in the area.
6. Shopping exists in all directions:
6. Please .Iist additional. goals you feel are important to the future of the Gen! Lake.
1.
Maintain natural barriers.
I
Oppose L:aBore Road extension.
3.,
Propose County E as boulevard.
4.
Deal with County E traffic_
5:
Trail around Gem -Lake, Park with ballfeld and ice rink.
6,
No further subdivision of land.
7.
Continue passive/rural character,
8.
Encourage LaBore Road extension.
9.
Minimize. development,
10:
Maintain low density.
11.
Improve. County E
12.
Reduce Goose Lake Road traffic.
13.
Maintain low profile government.
14.
Maintain open spaces.
15,
Slow all traffic in city.
16.
Get acknowledgement of our rustic setting from surrounding communities,
1.7.
Require residential. property maintenance and removal of junk piles in yards:
18.
Improve local communication.with.residents from government.
19.
Provide free copies of ordinances to residents.
W.
Add. city sewer.
21.
Reduce regulation./
227
Improve city employee and volunteer training..
23.
Provide `regular contact list.
24.
No low income, public or multi -fate ily housing:.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
7. How long haveyou lived in Gem Lake? LOW: 1 year HIGH: 73 years.: AVERAGE: 20 years
8. What
3 things do you like best about the City of Gem Lake?
A.
[.27139.1.5/9]
Quiet natural/rustic environment
B.
[21130.4%. ]
Proximity to Twirl Cities &Shopping:
C.
[ 20 /29.0%]
Large lot sizes / lowdensity
D:
[12 / 1,7A% ]
Open natural spaces
E,
111.115.9% ]
Small, town feeling
Fn
[ 12117A%. J
Peace &- quiet
14.5%.-1
Friendly residents
H.
[ L I / 1�0% J
Limited/low profile government.
I.
[ 05 / 013% ]
Minimum cornmerc.ial development
J.
[ 06108.7% ]
Privacy
K.
[ 05 / 07.3% ]
Low cHnielsense of security
L..
[ 04 / 05.8% ]
Wooded areas
M.
[ 03104.4 % ]
Abundance of wildlife
N.
[ 02102.9% ]
Community diversity
O.
[02/02.9% 1
Low key
P.
[ 02 / 02.91/6 ]
Quality of residential .life.
Q:
[ 03104.4% J
Lower taxes
R.
[ 02 / 02.9%]
Golf course
.S.
[ 01 101.5% J
Independence No sewerlwawr Palns to protect future
Upscale homes Quality of life Road maintenance Cieanneie6orhoods
What 3 thingsdo you like least about the City of Gem Lake?
A [ 21 / 30.4%. ] Increasing :traffic
B. [..01129.;*A ] Increasing noise.
C. [ 9711101% ] Pressure from surounding communities
D,
[ It 115.9!i6-1
Commercial development pressure
E.
[ 07 / 10.2%.]
No city water
F.
(.05107.3% J
No city sewer
G.
[ 05 / 07.3% ]
No parks/sports areas
H
[. 02102.9% ]
Auto dealer loudspeakers
1.
[ 03 /04.4% ]
1hereased.speeds of traffic
J'
[02 / 02.9% ]
High taxes
K.
102.102.9% ]
Poor city communication
L.
[ 02 / 02..9% ]
No bike route
M.
[ 02102.9% ]
Business in residential area (Kuchn)
N.
[ 02102.9% ]
Poorresidential maintenance
O..
[ 03./04.4% J.
City council
P:
[ 02 /.02.9%: ]
Not enough police
Q.
[. 01 /.01.5% ]
Unburied. utilities
Auto dealer lighting.
NQ curbs,
No sidewalks
Tree ordinance
Nothing
Lack of trafc.enforcement
Cty.Rdl- ramval.
Distance to. mass transit
Nolake: access
Govt.toocontrolling
Poor roads
Septic:inspections.
Abandoned Road
Not enough businesses
Poor street lighting
D.eer:herd
Non-resident developers
Goose Lake Road Safety
Adjacent multi -family
Helicopter noise
focal politics
3
t 0. What da.ee•issues do you think are most important: in the City of Gem Lake?
A..
[ 13 t26.1% ]
Maintain community profile
B,
[ it / 15 %j
improved traffic controls
C.
[ 07! 10.2%. ]
Low tax maintenance
D.
(12117.41% ]
Maintain current land use
E.
[ .05 / 07.3% ]
Prevent encroachment from Other cities.
F;
[ 06108.7% ]
EnvironmentaVecological protection
G.
( 03104.4% ]
Open space maintenance
.14.
[ 05107.3% ]
City water
I..
[ 631.04.3,A% j
City sewer
Improve road maintenance& plowing
K.
[02102.9% ]
Create bike.path/trail in city:
L.
(02102.9%]
Protect property values
M.
[ 02102.9% J
Small government
N.
[.02102.9% ]
Increase community involvement
O.
[ 01101.5 % J
City business water City survival Merge*/appropriateneaghticjr
Balance city/land owner rights Maintain privacy
Renovate business area Restrict eontmercial development
Bury utilities No more subdivision
Keep crime low Maintain high. quality housing
No business in. residential Oppose LaBore extension EHminate commercial noise
Pursue mass transit Improve city conuuunications with .residents
Iligh.quality of life Keep golf eourse6om development
S
CITY GOVERNMENT & FACILITIES
The city currently operates from donated space in the Mayor's, Clerk's, Treasurer's and Planning Commissioner's
homes. All of the Gem Lake government meetings as -well as general and special elections are currently held. in space donated
by the business / commercial owners in the city.;
1 1. Shotild the city plan on construetiag,a "city hall" or community bizildirigwhere it Would hold meetings and elections
-and from which it would operate?.
[ 1310.8% ] "Yes [ 5.11110% ] No [ 517.3%. ] No.Aniswer
'ff"YES",.wh" would you like to see such a building located?
.A, 1*9811.1.6% ] In -the residential area of the city?
l3. ( 0a / 11.69A.1 In the commercial. /business. area of the:eio
C.. 1.501725%e' ] No' Answer
12. Gem Lake now provides essential services such os palic a fire & paramedic, curbside recycling, building inspection
and code enforcement which consumes. more than 0% of our annual budget (your tax dollars). Each of.these.
services is provided by an.outside source with whdm-theCk contracts. Are you satisfied with current.services2
[ 62 / 89: %] Yes [ 415.8% ] No 1314.3%:] No Answer
If "NO", what improvements are needed?
A Improve recycling promotion
B; Improve. building. code enforcement
C; Improved traffic controls - speed and quantity.
D. Enforce dog laws
E,. More police.
Geni.Lake currently operates: a 5sriitar}r sewer systemi that serves 21 residences. and 22 businesses. Expansion of
this system would cost be . Wind S.80 per front foot of the property it serves and -this -cost would be. assessed
to each benefitted propotty:owner, Do you believe Gem Lake -should consider expanding the sewer system to. serve
more areas of the city?
[ 19 / 215%.] Yea 146 / 66.76/6.] No [ 4 / 5.8"/e J No. Answer
If "YES", *tien& you.febl this expansion will be necessary to servc�your: needs?
[ 0411}S.8% ] Within 1 year 112 l 17.4% ] Within 5 years
104 / 05.80/6 ] Within 10 years [49 / 71.0% ] No Answer
If "YES`', where do you feel the expansion will be necessary?.
A. [ 03 / 04:39/6 ] .Scheuneman Road area
B. [ 04 / 05.8'/o I Gooselake Road area
C. 10.1 / 01.5% j All others
If "YES", why do you feel the expansion will be necessary?
A. [ 06./ 08:711/o.] Old inadequate septic systems
B. [01101.5% ] Commercial waste abatement Business: district improvement
Increased density if allowed Safer drinking water
For those who. want it Improve property values
More costly to wait
14. Gem: Lake currently has no public water: system, Installation of a public water system would cost. between $50 and
$70 perfront foot of the property it'serves and this. cost would be assessed to each benefitted property owner. Do
you believe there is. a need in your area.for a .public water system?
[ 14120.3% ] Yes ( 53176.8% ] No [ 212 9% ] No Answer
If `'.YES", when do you feel this system will be necessary to serve your needs?
[ 04105.8% ] Within 1 year [ 06 / 08.7% 1 Within 5 years [ 01101.5%.. 1 Within 10 years
[58 / 84.1% ] No Answer
If ``YES", where do you feel the expansion will be necessary?
A.. [ 01101.5% ] Business district Entire city NW .Corner
R
If "YES", why do -you feel the expansion will be necessary?
A. [ 41 / OL5% I Condition of aquifer? Years of water supply? Increased density
Only with. sewer Wells are obsolete in cities
Business needs
m
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
While there are only a few undeveloped parcels of land in Gem Lake, all property presently zoned for residemial
use: in Gem Lake currently only allows for single family detached dwellings.
15. Would'you like to see other types of dwellings located in dieXity?
[08/11.6%1Yes [60/.57.0.0/6JNo [1/.1.4%.]NoAnswer
lb. If you answered YES to 15., which of the following.types of dwellings wouldyou like to. see built in Gem Lake
and where?
08 / 1.1,6% ]
One -Level Town Homes
Where;
.No Answers
B,
(0310?4,39Z ]
Two -Level Town Homes
Where.;
No Answers
C.
[004 0.0% ]
Condominiums
Where;
.No Answers
D.
1'00 / 0.0% ]
Apartments
Where:
No Answers
E.
[ 55 ! 79.7% ]
No Answer
17. If wiy of the dwelling types above werebuilt in Gera Lake,. would you consider residing in such a dwelling?
[ Ii f 15,9%o.J Yes ( 47 / 68.17% ] No. [ 11 / 16.0% ] No Answer
18. If' you wbuld'consider iesidkg in such a: dwelling; when would you want to take occupancy?
17 / 24.6% .] After Retirement [ 51114.00% ] No Answer
7
COhOJER&A-L I.BUSINESS USE & DEVELOPMENT
f There are -currently 37 businesses located in. the city employing approximately 500 permods:•The Gem Lake-
/ business district is principally located at and -adjacent to the intersection of Highway 61. and CoUrAYRodd E.
19. Do•y .0 use•or.purehase goods and services. from the current businesses located in.Gem-I ke?
] Yes [10 23.2°Io ] No [ 314.3%° ] No An..swer
•20: If. youusc• Gem Lake businesses,•which businesse(s) do you frequent and how qW
i22.131.99/ 1 HCO Retail [ 14 / 20.3% 1 WB Floral [ 15.121,71/6• ] Tousley Ford
[08 f 11.6% 1 KF'C [ 07 / 10:2% ] Cafe Cravings [ 04 I OS. % ] Barnett
[ 0.4105.8%.1 Tousiey Sports [ 03104.3% ] Ace TV Repair [ 02 / 02.9% ] PJzza
[ 02102.9% 1 Pottery [ 03104.3% ] Golf Course [ 0110140A l Nelson Marine
[ 01101.5% 1 Moldings & Doors [ 01 / 01.5% 1 Gun Shop [ 01101.5% ].Kuehn
[.01 / 01.51% ] W B Glass
21. If you don't use Gem Lake businesses, why?
[.QS 111.6% 1 Don't know which are in. Gem Lake [ 05107.3% ]. Others close better suited
[ 06108.7% 1 No need [ 03 / 04.3% ] Not most` convenient
[,02.102.9% 1 Limited I poor quality
2�. Other than those businesses that.currently 0 t in Gem Lake, what types} of businesses would you like to sec in
the• City's commercial district?
[.15121.71/4 ] None [ 071.•10.2% ] Nice restaurant
[ 05.10.7.31/6 1 Small offices [ 03104.3% ] Small retail shops
[ 01 / 01.5% ] Specialty retail Bank Hardware
Convenience Store Reduce businesses No fast food
Non polluting Tax producing Mens Barber
Manufacturing Kids Sports Place Goodwill
231 Areyou or any member ofyour household presently employed by a business located m Gem Lake?
[07 / 10.1% ] Yes [ 60197.0%] No [ 02 / 02:9% ] No.Answer
24. Should-&"City-CeW type development be eti nuiged at the intersection of. Highway 61 and County Road E?
[ 10114-s/41 Yes [ G 181.2% ] .No [: 0314.31/6 ] No Answer
25, If a "City Center" were developed, what type(s) of business would you like to. see. included .in this area?
[ 02 102.%) Specialty shops Clothing Offices
[04 / 06.86/4.1 Restaurant:
[ 011015%] bight. club Bank Pharmacy
Medical Liquor Sports Retail.
.26. Ifyou dbri't •support a "City Center" type development, whynot?
[ 18/26.1%1
Everything needed available: nearby
. [ 144 20.3"/e.]
Unnecessary for Gem Lake
IO./ 14S%]
Too much additional traffic
[ QSl 07.3%•]
Higher taxes
02.9%.]
Waste of time Too much development already Who wins?
0.1.101.5% ]
Doesn't fit auto businesses Need more info
We. are residential, not commercial Increased crime
What cost -to city& residents
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
The city's primary arterial roadways are County Road E, LaBore Road, Goose. Lake. Road and Scheuneman Road y
which are Ramsey County Roads and state Highway 61. Traffic and related problems continue to: increase dramatically. along
County Roa *E dine to development in the area and LaBore Road will: experience similar ehanges..over.the.next decade.
TrafaplQng'Gow Road and Sdba t Road have also increased as a.result of development in other communities.
27. Shouldihe City make a coneexted efltoort to preseive the natural environment characteristics of these roadways? -
[.66 / 95.7% ] Yes [0./0.0% ].No [ 3 / 4.3°/a ] No Answer
28. *How -far does raaelt member of yourhousehoId travel to work eachday.?
'OF
jVER
HIGH
LOW
AVERAGE
Driver41.
50
00
13.1
Driver#2
40
00
11.9
Driver #3.
20
00
11.1
29- Da:you seethe need for public transportation in Gem Take?
[ 10 / 14.5% ] Yes [ 48169.6% 1 No [ 11 / 15.94/a ] .No Answer
30. If available, would you use any of the following public transportation systems and how often:
[ 06 / 08:7% ] MTC Bus Service?. How often?
[ 05 / 07:2W] hake Area Transit? Howoften?
[ OQ/ ON, *]'Metro Mobility? How.often?
[. 01 /O 1.5% ] -other (please identify)
In :the year 2000, Ramsey County will "tum back.' 1��%.-miles-oft.Scheuneman Road to Gem Lake. The cost of
maintaining this road is estimated to be $.12,000 annually based upon a current estimate of 5,000 to 6,000 car trips daily
between Otter Lake Road and. Highway 61. Gem Lake's current budget for street maintenance is approximately S1.,500
annually.
31. By reducirig.or restricting traffic along Scheuneman Road, maintenance budgets.can'be reduced. What. do .you
believe. is the City's best alternative for Scheunedran Road?.
[ 09./.13.0% ]. Leave Scheuneman Road as is and have taxpayers pay for.maintenance?
[ 42 / %9'/6 ] Close Scheunerrian Road at Highway 61 and install a cul=de-sac?
[ 09 / 13.0% ] Convert Scheuneman Road to a one-way, northbound roadway?
[ 09 / 13.1%: j No Answer
us
PARKS & RECREATION
The city currently has.no owned and/or operated park facilities. There are several county parks and facilities.
operated by others in the immediate area, although none are located in. Gem Lake.
31 Would you supportdevelopment of s city park in Gem LAe?
f 22131.9% ] Yes 145165.2%Q 1 No 102.1019:5/a 1 No.Ans►Yer
If "NO", why?
[ 071 i0.2.% 1 No need
[ 11115.9%0 ] Others close by l Open space instead
[.03104.3% ] Cost to residents / Attracts outsiders !'crime / wasted tax dollars
101 101.5%.] Community is a park
33. lfyou would.support a city park in Gem Lake, which of the following facilities would you. like to Have included?
[ 18.126.1% ] Picnic facilities [ 18126.1% 1 Playground equipment
[ 11115.9% ] Tennis court(s) 1 14120.3%a 1 Ball field(s)
[ 101 14.5% ) Basketball court(s) 1' 121 17.4% 1 Re.rink(s)
[ 03 L.04.3% 1 Bike path
[ 02102.9% 1 Open space /Jogging path
34. Where in Gem Lake doyou feel the park should be located?
[ 04105.86/.] Goose LakeR.oad Scheuneman Road South County E
[ 05104.3 % ] Adjacent Gem Lake. Hills.
[ 02102.9% 1 Trail around lake
[ 01 / 01. % 1 Commercial Zone.
10
SURVEY PARTICIPATION BY NEIGHBORHOOD I
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARTICIPATION
SIGNATURES
County Road £ - North Side
7
I 0.1 °y°
7
Big Fox Road - Both Sides
5
7.2%
4
80:0%
Little .Fox.Lane -.Both Sides
I
1.4%
0
0.0%
LaBore Road -.Fast Side
3
4.3%
3
I0d.0%°
Goose Lake..Road -. Lake Area
9
13.0%
15
21.7%
Goose. Lake Road - North Side/EastEnd
16
21:7%
9
60.0%
Haven Lane - Both Sides
4
5.8%
3
75,0°/4.
Tessier Road - Both: Sides
1
1.4%.
0
0.0%
Scheuneman Road - 61 to Otter Lake Road
22
29.0%
1.8
90.0%
Business District Residences
1 4%
TOTAL CODIFIED RESPONDENTS
69
100.0%
60
87.0%
*Responses. With Codification Removed
3
100.0°I°
D
0,00/0
Kesponses with: neighborhood codification were not included in the overall results.
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