Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040

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CMP Part 2. Community Management Plan Foundation City of Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040 Part 2, Page 11 area, Minnetonka has 22.4 square miles of surface area and approximately 130 miles of shoreline running along numerous bays, channels and inlets. Lake Minnetonka's watershed, including the Lake itself, encompasses 123 square miles, and approximately 1/5 of the contributing watershed lies in Orono. Orono has two distinct personalities: The historically developed lakeshore and the rural woods, fields and open spaces. Both areas are primarily residential in nature, relying upon the existing town center of Navarre and other nearby cities such as Long Lake, Spring Park, Wayzata, Mound and Maple Plain for shopping, employment, and entertainment activities. The concern of the residents is to provide for continuing maintenance and preservation of those natural resources and social amenities which attracted people to Orono in the first place. Near the lake, density of development has to be regulated in order to minimize the resultant stormwater runoff pollution which, if unrestricted, could permanently alter and destroy the ecology of this very unique resource. Away from the lake, the natural marshes and wetlands are to be protected as the primary and most practical method of storm water filtration and enhancement. Steep slopes will be protected from over-development and erosion. Woodlands will be preserved as wildlife habitat, erosion protection, noise barriers and places for personal solitude and contentment. Orono's primary goal of preserving the water quality and level of Lake Minnetonka can only be accomplished by maintaining the basic integrity of the natural watershed. Open space is to be cherished and protected. In urbanized areas, recreational needs go hand-in-hand with the necessities of light, air, and solar access. Views of the lakeshore are invaluable property rights and personal experiences. In rural areas, the open fields and pastures are witness to the rural lifestyles active in Orono, and each property owner has the ability to provide for his own varied recreational needs. Institutional and commercial needs have been met by the existing centers with no need for future expansion. The geographic relationships between the many lake area communities expand the services available to Orono residents beyond the City’s borders. The many industrial, retail-commercial and health care facilities readily accessible locally and regionally are adequate to serve the needs of Orono residents. School populations are increasing slowly, and new technologies and program demands require some expansion of existing facilities but no new centers. Orono's population growth has been historically slow, allowing for gradual service increases and fiscal security. Public facilities have been provided and will continue to be improved at a level sufficient for protection of health and safety, but unobtrusively enough to allow continued self- independence and maintenance of rural lifestyles. The basic philosophies of the CMP are to the extent possible consistent with the policies and guidelines contained in the Metropolitan Council's “2040 Regional Development Framework”. Future urban density in the urban area along the lake is to be in-fill development where existing urban services are available. Rural land use in the low-density residential lakeshore areas and in the area away from the lake, is to be free from expanded urban services except when necessary to protect the public health or to eliminate negative impacts to surface and groundwaters. In all neighborhoods, provisions are made for protection of environmental assets and for provision of open space and recreational amenities. Housing opportunities in and near Orono are available in a wide range of alternatives consistent with the availability of public services. Existing and planned sewer and transportation facilities are capable of servicing the planned density of development, and land use patterns are consistent with and complementary to those of neighboring cities.